Toddlers are extremely active and need to be engaged most of the time. We moms find it very difficult to keep them in the kitchen while cooking, as its both disturbing and dangerous. So here are some tricks I learned from my mom who keeps my daughter occupied while she cooks. She always makes kids sit on the floor on a mat, so that she can have a watch on them.
* Please do not allow your kids to sit on the kitchen slab or anywhere close to the stove.*
Peeling Egg Shells
Most kids love eggs. My daughter can while off the whole day watching videos of coloring Easter eggs and unboxing kinder eggs. Though there is no surprise element here, she loves peeling the egg shells and it takes her atlesast half an hour to peel 4-5 eggs. By then some cooking can be finished.
Counting Beans
You can place different beans in bowls and let your kids count them, they will have fun throwing them from one bowl to another
Kneading Dough
Guess this was how playdough was invented. Give them some dough to knead and make shapes while your rolling your rotis. It would be great if you get them a small rolling pin to roll along. It will improve their motor and imaginary skills.
Arranging cut ends of vegetables
Its funny but we used to play with the cut out heads of ladyfingers. We used to stick the ends on boards and make different shapes with them. Same can be done with carrot, eggplant. etc
Cooking
Finally you can involve them is tiny steps of your cooking. Like peeling potatoes, peas, mixing cake dough or even making cookies. As most toddlers have the tendency of wanting to do everything themselves. You may have to plan when you need to involve them.
