How to Make Christmas Dinner With Your Toddler

Let your toddler join in the fun and tradition of preparing the holiday meal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic Bowls
• Plastic Drinking Cups
• Plastic Food Containers
• Plastic Scrubbers
• Plastic Spoons
• Plastic Tea Sets

1. Gather your supplies and ingredients ahead of time. Have everything ready and decide beforehand what your toddler can help you with. Then you won't have to turn your back on your curious toddler while looking for ingredients.
2. Follow simple recipes. Let your toddler help with recipes that require little effort, such as tearing bread for stuffing or scooping flour for bread. Save the more complex recipes for yourself.
3. Start your toddler with a simple task. Tasks that require simple steps, such as scooping or mashing, are best for first-time helpers. Also, tasks that will take your toddler some time to complete will allow you to put together the other ingredients or work on other recipes. If your toddler has cooked with you before, you may want to experiment with pouring and stirring.
4. Explain what you are doing. Tell your toddler what steps you are following and what will come next. Talk about the specific amounts of ingredients you are using - 1 c. milk, 2 tbsp. cinnamon. Ask questions like, "What will we do with this flour? What is happening to the potatoes when you mash them?"
5. Point out the textures and smells of ingredients you are using. Let your toddler explore with safe cooking ingredients.
6. Plan other kitchen activities for your toddler. Washing safe objects in the sink is a chore toddlers love to do, especially if you have a sink hose. Have some pretend or safe dishes your toddler can pretend to cook with while you are preparing food.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect a mess! And have a plan.
• Make sure your toddler has a safe place to stand and work at the counter.
• Praise your child often for attempts to help and understand.
• Watch for hot surfaces, dish towels hanging off countertops, and sharp objects. Little hands move fast.
• Wash your hands and your toddler's hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or eggs. Explain to your toddler the danger of putting hands in the mouth while cooking.
• Keep hot liquids away from your toddler.