- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- recipes today articles
- recipes today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Tiny Turkeys
Keep Toddlers Busy While You Prepare Holiday Dinner
By I.J. Schecter
"Sure, there are ways to keep your kids occupied for a few minutes at a time, but let's face it, if you really want to get things done, best to ask your husband to take them for a nice long walk," says Downs, who also has a 5–year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
If the kids resist leaving because the allure of the kitchen is just too great, suggest to Dad that he make it a game: While out on the walk, have them guess what kinds of things Mommy is busy making, and then, upon returning, see how many items everyone guessed correctly. Or go on an expedition to find Mommy gifts of leaves and pinecones as congratulatory gestures for finishing the meal. Or request an emergency trip to the store for some "missing" ingredient or other, allowing the kids to feel like they've helped save the day. Tell Dad to take his time, of course.
Involving your kids effectively in meal preparation has greater implications than just finishing on time and without cranberry explosions. "Cooking with your kids can be a unique bonding experience, even more so when you let them help prepare a special holiday meal," Goldman says. "That's a memory that may last a lifetime."
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||