Here are some great Tips to get your kids comfortable in the kitchen to help you and participate in creating and participating With kids home in the evenings and during summer vacations, this is a perfect time to get the little ones into the kitchen, while you are in it. Delegate simple and easy to do kitchen chores to your little ones. Tell them exactly what to do. Down to the last detail. Let them do it . Follow up with positive reinforcement. Don't do the job for them. Many a times a gentle reminders are necessary. Most of all make it fun.

Getting Ready for Cooking

Get organized leads to less messy and easier clean-up.

Have the kids wear an apron , preferably with a pocket to keep their wiping cloth - their size- this will help to keep their clothes clean. Have them wear short-sleeved clothes rather then long sleeves which may get in your way while washing up.

Wash and dry your hands before getting started. Use plenty of soap and scrub those finger nails.

Get out all the ingredients the recipe calls for. This is a great way to get the kids to find out where to find the common kitchen ingredients. So the next time they won't ask you where to find that particular ingredient when you need it.

Get out all the utensils you will need including the pans, cups, spoons, and bowls, etc.

Have the kids put everything together on the kitchen counter or table according to the recipe. This will save time when you begin to cook.

Kids love Challenges !

Here is one that will keep them busy in the kitchen with you....... Time your kids on laying the table. Note: For young ones assign plastic dinnerware.

Responsibility....Assign one task per kid !

No one should do that task except for them. Not even "YOU" ! That will make them feel responsible and special. Follow through with affirmations like " I know that ____ has already done this today! " For example : Get water for everyone at the dinner table every night. Assign your own special tasks to make them feel involved. See the difference.

Gooeeeness and FUN !

Kids love getting their hands "all Gooey" Ask them for help making the "Chappati dough"...They will love it !

Taking it ONE STEP AT A TIME

Keeping yourself calm is very important in the kitchen as the kids can sense your hurry to get things done when they do things slowly. Take it one step at a time for YOU.

Cleaning while cooking

Keeping things away as sson as you are done with it is as important as the cooking process. Teach your young ones the importance of "cleaning while cooking" As you finish using the measuring utensils and mixing bowls put them in the sink to soak in hot soapy water. By the time you finish getting everything mixed or into the pots and pans half the cleanup is done!

My Own Cleaning Cloth

Give each kid a cloth to wipe their hands on, if you don't they will find their sleeves, your clothes to wipe on ! Also

The Right Height

Getting your kids at the right height for working in the kitchen is very important. Prop them up on a STABLE stool which will get them at the counter height will help them see better and will keep them away from dangerous things they cannot see.