De-lurking to add my empathy. It drives me completely crazy (short trip!)
when my kids make a mess while "helping" me cook. I have 5 kids, ranging in
age from nearly 13 (only cooks when forced to) down to twin girls, age 4,
who love to help and taste everything.

A couple of years ago, I never let the kids help. It bugged me too much to
clean up the mess. My husband told me I was doing them a great disservice,
and that they'd never learn to cook if they didn't start when they were
interested. I should just let them help, relax and enjoy the process,
knowing the most important part was building a good relationship with my
kids. Floors can be swept, but kids are only small a short time.

I don't mean to preach - what works for me won't work for everybody else. My
house is far from spotless - but then, it always has been that way! :-) I do
try to relax and enjoy it more, and that helps keep me somewhat sane.

BTW, that thing all the parent "experts" tell you about letting the kids
help cook and they will try more foods? Bolony! My middle child, known
online as Miss Fussy Rose, won't try anything new, but absolutely loves to
help cook!

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply


"Jenny Caruso" > wrote in message
m...
> I'm trying to teach my girls to bake. They really love it but they're...
> just plain messy. I can't walk across the kitchen without feeling like I'm
> crunching granulated sugar beneath my slippers and I'm tired of sweeping.
> How can I encourage them to be more careful?