We’ve been stuck in quarantine for over three months. In order to survive, we’ve had to adapt to how we run our household. Our kitchens have seen major chaos as children run in and out, constantly wanting a snack. Many of them are eager to learn to cook or bake, now that both parents and children are home at the same time. Here are some tips to help you organize a kid-friendly kitchen and make your life less chaotic.
Make Snacks Accessible
There is no denying that your children bug you for snacks constantly. To avoid being bothered, make their snacks accessible. You can add a rolling cart with drawers and add non-perishable snacks to it. If you’re on a budget and also trying to ration snacks, consider using a colored bin or basket for each child’s snacks. Fill it with bottled water, granola bars, fruit cups, pretzels, fruit, and bags of popcorn. When the snacks are gone, that child can’t have anymore. Line the baskets up on a designated shelf or the kitchen table.
Have a Shelf of Kids’ Supplies
Consider having a “kid’s cupboard,” and have it accessible where tiny hands can reach it. Fill it with items they use often like granola bars, trail mix, cereal, juice boxes, and peanut butter. If you own them, place some plastic bowls, plates, and cups in there too.
Organize and Label Your Drawers
Kids love to help in the kitchen so organize your drawers by compartments. Put all your measuring spoons in one compartment, your measuring cups in another, and the whisks and mixing spoons in another. Label that with both a photo and title, “Baking Utensils,” so that the kids can find stuff and help unload the dishwasher.
Pick Something to Cook That Your Family Will Enjoy
Ordinarily, it’s best not to teach your children your favorite dinner recipe since you’ve been working and it’s stressful if they don’t do it right. However, with everyone being home, this may be a perfect time. You don’t need to start complicated. You could even start simple with something like homemade pizzas, where each child chooses and prepares their favorite topping.
Find a Designated Prep Area for Kids
If your children are young, you may to designate part of the kitchen table as the prep area. They can put chop toppings are put cheese on the dough for pizzas. If you bake cookies with your kids, it’s easier for them to be eye-level when rolling out the dough and placing the cookies on the tray.
Even with the quarantine, these are the memories we will remember so make time to get in the kitchen with your children. Next week we will be starting to discuss home offices during the quarantine. If you have any questions, please contact Refresh Organizers & Designers at (510) 570-1292.
