It’s the start of the holiday season, which for many means lots of baking! Even though I’m not the greatest at it, I love to bake in the colder months. But, it’s hard to find the time with my 2 littles. So, I either bake while they’re napping or asleep at night, which doesn’t usually happen because if given the choice, I choose sleep, or bake with them. I know, I know. Bake with my kid?! That is just asking for an unnecessary migraine, not to mention the clean up afterwards! But, trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems. Okay, okay, maybe the clean up is, but it’s worth it. All involved will have fun and you won’t get a migraine.
Besides mentioning the science and math they’re learning, your kids will love to bake and appreciate being involved. It’s great for sensory skills as well as building fine motor and hand coordination skills. Try it as a challenge to let go of control. I can’t promise whatever you’re making will taste like Servatii’s, but in my experience, someone always eats it!
To prepare, I get out all the ingredients ahead of time. This cuts down on waiting time and helps keep your eyes on the kiddos. Prepare the space you’re going to use; whether it’s the counter or kitchen table. I use my Messy Mat when on the table and sometimes it’s easier for my younger daughter to sit in a booster at the table. If I’m using the counter, because I’m still waiting on my husband to build that kitchen stand, my girls stand on stools or chairs pushed up to the counter.
Don’t get discouraged if it’s your first time. It takes practice. I’ve been baking with my older girl since she was 15 months old and really didn’t have many issues. My second child is a different story. MUCH bigger messes and MUCH harder to manage. But, together, they manage each other. And if all else fails, I give her flour, sugar, and measuring spoons to play with. Okay, I won’t lie, I give her chocolate chips to munch on and that usually keeps her motivated
Here Are 10 Ways to Bake With Your Littles (2+ years old):
- Let them fill your muffin pan with cupcake liners. This is perfect for one to one correspondence practice. I use fun colorful liners that I found on Amazon.
- Measure the ingredients, but let the kids pour them in. If they’re older, help them measure the ingredients. Whatever the age, count with them and talk about what you’re measuring and how (liquid vs. solid measuring cups ,etc).
- Crack the egg and let them finish breaking it open. I let my daughters do this in a separate small bowl so I can get any pieces of shell out before putting it in the batter. This is their favorite!
- Let them mix! Whether it’s by hand with a whisk or wooden spoon or letting them gently hold on to a hand-held mixer with your support. They will learn how to mix gently enough so that batter doesn’t go everywhere.
- Roll out sugar cookie dough. Give them a small piece to roll out themselves. And of course, let them cut out cookies with plastic shape cutters. I put flour in a dredge and let her shake flour on her dough to keep it from sticking.
- Have them mash bananas for banana bread or muffins.
- Use them as a pastry cutter when making pie crust or scones or whatever else requires cutting butter into flour: let them squeeze the butter and flour together with their little hands and fingers.
- Scoop batter into muffin pan or liners. This is for older kids, or for younger kids if you really really don’t mind messes!
- Frost cookies or cupcakes. It’s a mess and the cookies don’t look like Bon Bonerie works of art, but kids love this. Let them go nuts with sprinkles and little candies! I highly recommend a large tin of plastic cookie cutters. I bought 101 pieces for $14.99 off Amazon.
- Last but not least, lick the mixers! I mean, what’s baking without the best part, licking the spoon and mixers!!
If you have any other tips to add, please comment below. Happy baking!
