Retail Therapy!
Did someone say retail therapy?? We are celebrating Shopping Day on Saturday December 1 nationally so that you can have a wonderful day focused on getting ready for the holidays, while we look after your little ones. Once the gift giving is sorted out it is time focus on my favourite part of any celebration...the food!
The holidays are the best times in the year to gather all your family and friends together and enjoy each other’s company. Being the one to host the gathering can be a daunting task but with the help of your kiddies, you can have a fun and exciting time prepping for the holidays! Let your little ones make your life easier by having them help out in the kitchen with all the tasks they’ll enjoy and be able to assist in!
Here are a few ways you can let your kids help you save time in the kitchen:
Putting Together the Grocery List - Have your kiddies help put together the menu and grocery list for the big day. This can be an opportunity to teach them on being organized plus they can also feel really special picking their favourite dish making them a real part of the planning process.
Reading Recipes Out Loud – This is a great opportunity to practice general reading skills with your older kiddies. This can help with literacy, teach them new vocabulary words related to the world of food and help them understand how to follow recipe directions.
Peeling Foods – Peeling fruit and veggies is a task that most kids love but just make sure to teach them proper form and use a kid-safe peeler. This is a win-win for everyone!!
Rolling Out Pie Dough - Rolling out dough can be a total blast for kids but be sure to guide them so you don’t have an uneven mess! This can be one of the most worthwhile tasks for kiddies in the kitchen. They can brag to all the guests about making a fabulous and delicious contribution to dessert.
Measuring spices – Teach your little ones how to properly use measuring spoons and let them measure out the spices for the dish themselves. Make sure you keep an eye on the measurements though, so you don’t end up with too much or too little of one spice.
Setting the table – I love setting a beautiful table for all my family and friends. My children are always keen to help out and it is an easy task for children of all ages to participate in!
If you haven’t already sign up for Shopping Day speak with your Centre Director and register today. Drop your kids off and enjoy your time shopping for gifts for all your loved ones! Once your gift giving is sorted out you can then start to plan your holiday feast!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @kidcochildcare and on Instagram @cheflisaruscica!
Cheers,
Chef Lisa Ruscica
Chief Food Ambassador