Mama's in the Kitchen with Emma

Dinner comes together one of a few different ways each night. Some evenings I have the kitchen to myself and I work while listening to the music Emma makes as she plays in the other rooms. Other times I am bombarded by requests to be held which isn't possible when I am opening and closing the oven or sautéing vegetables. In the case of a demanding toddler at my feet the easiest way to get the job done is to let Emma share in the preparation. I've mentioned before that Emma is interested in helping in the kitchen. She is sturdy and strong enough to complete many tasks. Or practice. Pretend. 

Peeling: check. 

Ready to mix! (So ready, let's do this!)

Above: Emma was stirring as I added ingredients for our salmon's lemon butter sauce. She's so careful at the stove. One day she is going to shout in my face "Mom, I KNOW!" when I have said for the billionth time that the pan/lid/fire/handle/steam is or could be hot. Because I will remind her until that day comes! 

Worth a little risk I think. There is so much that working in the kitchen can teach a child, beyond safety, and anything can turn into a lesson. (Boiled water turns into steam. 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water yields 3 cups of cooked rice. Vocabulary: incorporate; roux.) not to mention all the gross and fine motor skills we use when we measure, whisk, pour, and decorate. 

It slows the process. 30 minutes of prep can easily become an hour or more but it is so worth it in all that is gained. When Emma comes to me wanting to help because playing with her toys just ain't cutting it, I try to see it as just another opportunity to learn presenting itself. 

"It is about the journey, not the destination." Enjoy it. Be present. Laugh, learn, embrace now. Respect the process. And try so hard to never, ever forget these special little moments.