"frood" > wrote in message
...
> 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!

It makes me wonder how safe children are in a home run by parents who can't
figure out how to deal with this issue without asking complete strangers.