Help Mom Make Dinner Night

Do your children ever complain about what you are making for dinner?

One way to help them not complain is to let them help cook the meal. It also is a fabulous way to teach early cooking skills, math, hygiene, nutrition and is a great bonding experience.

If you are like me it is hard to let the kids help sometimes. I have 5 little ones and sometimes I just feel like I have too many helpers. Why not try scheduling a night a week and plan on letting the kids help? That way you will make sure you have the time, energy, supplies and most important-patience.

We've decided to have Thursday night as our "Let's Help Mom Make Dinner" night. We are going to make blueberry pancakes tonight. Let's see how I will figure in four helpers plus one baby without losing my mind.

First we have to grind the wheat. I will send my 7 and 6 year old(Benjamin and Jenny) to grind the wheat in our electric grinder downstairs. The baby is still sleeping so all is well and the 2 year old is in the toy room watching a video. I'll let them come upstairs once the wheat is ground to help stir, something 2 year olds can even do. My four year old(Julia) is in the kitchen with me getting out the ingredients.Once the wheat is ground I will have Benjamin, Jenny and Julia help take turns putting the ingredients in the bowl. then Joseph(2 year old) will come upstairs and mix. Once the batter is done I will start cooking the pancakes while I have the kids set the table and get out condiments. I will cut up some fruit and we will have dinner...um....breakfast..well whatever it is it will be goooood.

Try your own easy recipes with your kids and have a wonderful time. Be sure to schedule it in so you are patient and happy and it is a good time with your children. If you don't have time or energy to do it...don't do it...you will regret it later.....Enjoy!!!