Do your kids like to help you cook? Do you like to keep them involved in day to day cooking? My big kids are 11 and 14 so I like to have them cook for themselves sometimes and occasionally I have them cook for the entire family. It is good practice for when they get older and it helps them to feel a little more independent. I have always been one of those moms that wakes up each morning and prepares breakfast and lunch for my kids. Even if they are having cereal for breakfast, until recently, I even poured that for them. A friend pointed out to me that her children do those things themselves, so I thought maybe I should let them be a little more independent for a change. It’s not that I was keeping them from that, but it was me wanting to be a good mom. I literally do not remember my mother ever making me breakfast or packing my lunch for school and I promised myself that I wouldn’t be that way. Well, I have never been that way, but I did realize that it was time for the kids to develop a little kitchen prep knowledge of their own, I should have begun a long time ago. As it turns out, knowing how to cook can help the kids in more ways than just food prep. Check out this article I found on the benefits of teaching your pre-schooler to cook.

As we mentioned last week, Thanksgiving is very, very close and now is a great time to get your kids in the kitchen with you. First of all, you are doing a lot of cooking anyway, so you can probably use the help. Second, the idea of cooking for other members of your family or inner circle will make your kiddo feel excited about cooking! Next, one of the best things about Thanksgiving is how many different things you are preparing, so there is bound to be something for the kids to do. Even if it is something as simple as putting the rolls onto the pan or something more difficult like baking one of the desserts.

Honestly, I say go all in. Get out all of the supplies, throw some aprons on and caution to the wind and start a fun baking project with your little one!

We have just the aprons for your little one too! Check out this fun selection of kids aprons:

polka dot apron set - kids and adults love to dress the part. sometimes that's half the fun! sized just for kids, this sweet polka dot pattern will keep your little cook in style in the kitchen!

ruffled cupcake apron set - this vintage cupcake apron evokes all the sentiment of a home filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and mom waiting at home. some things have changed, but fashion can always come back!

the little cook® yellow apron - kids and adults love to dress the part. sometimes that's half the fun! the little cook™ apron is also offered in yellow to appeal to both boys and girls.

the little cook® softgoods set - kids and adults love to dress the part. sometimes that's half the fun! This set includes the apron, chef’s hat, two baking mits, and a wooden spoon!

You can always check out these fun baking kits too:

• Cookie baking kit
• kid's Santa's reindeer cakes tray kit
• icy snowman baking kit
• fairy princess cake and cookie baking kit
• peace & love cookie kit

If you like to be in charge in the kitchen and you are feeling a little anxious about a baking day with the kids, I put together a little list of tips to help you have the best experience:

• Don’t take it too seriously - First and foremost, remember that this is an activity with your kids to try and have fun and build memories. Don’t expect everything to be perfect and don’t be in a rush.
• Don’t stress the mess. This kind of goes along with our last point, but seriously. You will be making a mess when baking with the kids. Messes can clean though, my friends.
• Wear aprons. As I just mentioned, you will be making a mess, protect your clothing with aprons. I touched earlier on some of the cute aprons we have for kids and trust me, they will need it.
• Have a plan. Go into the baking time knowing what you are going to be making. This way you have all of the stuff you need to create the best baked goods you can. You don’t want to discover halfway through a project that you don’t have the necessary supplies.

Have a fun baking date with the kiddos!