Today at Esturirafi, we’re heading into the kitchen with the little ones in the house. We’re joined by experts on the subject: Mónica and Judit from Los Inventos de Mamá, an “inventor community” where they create, invent, and play with, for, and by the little ones.
As little girls, we loved getting our hands dirty in the kitchen. From a very young age, we helped our parents cook and even tried our hand at easy recipes like homemade pizza or muffins. We believe it’s very important for children’s relationship with food to be normal, drama-free, and for them to eat everything.
5 easy ideas to entertain the little ones while we cook
When you cook, do your little ones want to help or be with you? When they can’t yet participate in the entire cooking process, keeping them entertained in the kitchen is much easier than you think, using materials we have on hand. We’re Mónica and Judit from Los Inventos de Mamá. If you haven’t heard of us yet, we’ll tell you: we’re a tribe that shares ideas based on objects that would have otherwise been recyclable, turning them into games and toys for our little ones. Everything around us can be transformed into the perfect material for entertaining and sharing moments with our little ones.
That’s why today we want to show you five very easy and inexpensive ideas you can prepare in the kitchen to keep the kids entertained while you cook. Without buying anything, and without wasting anything either. Because responsible consumption accompanied by creativity leads to tons of fun moments.
LINKING
The classic microwave rack, which we rarely use, becomes the star of this game that will keep your little ones focused. A few ribbons and some little fingers ready to play are the only extra ingredients you need. It’s a simple activity to start once they’ve acquired the skills necessary to do it. And don’t be surprised if they repeat it again and again. So, we’ll finally be able to put this rack to use.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS WITH A STRAINER
The pasta strainer is a gem for activities and ideas. With some wooden skewers and the strainer, they can play with the holes in and out. It’s a very easy activity to set up, and you’ll be amazed at how much fun they have. You can also do the same idea with a cutlery rack or a spice jar, using smaller sticks.
PAINTING WITH SPICES
A creative and sensorial experience for the little artists in your home. Turmeric, curry, paprika, cinnamon, and oregano are perfect natural dyes that are ready to use when diluted with a little water. It’s a real surprise for children, and some not so young, to discover that you can paint with spices. The scent is also a real incentive for this activity, turning it into a truly sensory experience.
COUNTING MACARONI
Fine motor games, such as threading and counting, are often a hit . To reinforce these skills, you don’t need pre-bought materials; just a little imagination, observing what’s in your kitchen, and using it to your advantage! With an egg carton as a stand, some wooden skewers, macaroni, and some numbers (we used birthday candles, since we keep everything just in case). It’s an activity that will keep them entertained for a while at the sensitive stage of number recognition and counting. If you add a little salt, sand, or breadcrumbs to the egg cup, the little ones can also practice tracing and reading, and writing. We always keep a small jar of salt stored away; we always use the same amount, and once it’s dirty, we can use it to make Salt Dough. You know, nothing is thrown away or wasted here.
Salt Paste is a sensory dough that is made with:
- 1 part fine salt
- 1 part water
- 2 parts flour
- food coloring (optional)
This clay can be molded like Play-Doh and dries rigid. It’s ideal for making souvenirs or gifts.
TRANSFERS
Pouring water, in its simplicity, lies its complexity. It may seem like a simple gesture, but this game involves the development of many skills and abilities, in addition to being a lot of fun. Always from left to right to encourage the eye sense for reading and writing. Try it with solids, liquids, and different ingredients and materials: legumes, rice, seeds, apoons, ladles, shovels, and sponges. Our little chefs will be preparing their own “dishes” for a while. These are our five suggestions: 5 activities that might distract you from preparing dinner, because you’re absorbed in watching your children’s concentration. 5 games that you can carry over to any other time of day because they’re five invitations to learning while playing. Are you up for it?
