When I was growing up I was not allowed to make messes – especially not kitchen messes. I really can’t blame my mom for her preference… One time my parents were gone for a few hours and left me home alone. I must have been about ten. I decided that I was going to surprise them with a cake. I carefully pulled out Mom’s old Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook (circa 1950) and decided on what seemed like a simple vanilla layer cake.
My 6 year old and I made these snails for lunch.
Several hours later my mom walked in to a battle zone. Flour on the walls, ceiling, and everywhere. Batter splashed here and there. And a lop-sided, not very good first attempt at a cake. I would love to give you warm fuzzies and tell you she smiled, thanked me, and ate a bite of the cake proclaiming it delicious but that was not the case. She took one look, hyperventilated and began the loudest scream in the history of the universe. She then unceremoniously dumped the cake in the trash and told me to stay the hell out of the kitchen.
Ooops.
I handle things much different. I put up with the messes because I like what happens in the kitchen when we are all in there. I like having kids that cook and enjoy cooking and food. The messes are momentary in the grand scheme of things.
For some reason cooking brings families together. Whether you are creating a meal or merely baking a batch of cookies it is generally quality time for all. The mess will eventually be cleaned up but the memories will last forever.
My kids spend a lot of time in the kitchen… eating, cooking, talking, spraying each other with water… Someday I may only be cooking for one or two and my kitchen will stay clean and tidy. The house will be quiet. The flour will be in the canister and the refrigerator will be free of fingerprints. And I will miss these days terribly.
Invite your kids in the kitchen with you. Make the sous chefs, give them something to do no matter how young they are. As they grow you will be glad you did.
image:marye audet
Post from: Blisstree