Chocolate Chip Muffins

Scroll down to the bottom for the full recipe

HANDS OFF, BUT PRESENT

Supporting kids to create something special for someone they love.

Have you ever felt like you almost had to sit on your hands watching your kids trying to do something?

Or are you someone (like me!) who can’t help but jump in and rescue - maybe because it just gets things done quicker or because you want to avoid the possible frustration and big emotions that may come when things get a bit tricky?

When it comes to the kitchen, kids are often measuring slowly, reading the recipe backwards, using the wrong spoon, tipping flour everywhere BUT the bowl … and we KNOW we could do it faster.

But what could happen if we don’t step in? How can we support kid's baking and creating something for someone they love?

What Does "Hands Off" Actually Mean?

When we say ‘hands off’ we don’t always mean leaving them to it and sitting down to enjoy your book - we mean being there, present, but letting them pour, mix and create.

You are still in the kitchen (maybe sitting at the bench with a cup of tea, relaxed and ‘hanging out’). You are watching, encouraging, being available if they need you, and making sure everyone is safe.

If you have slightly younger kids - you can play the part of the kitchen helper and make it fun.

‘Would you like me to turn the oven on for you, head chef?’

‘How can I be of assistance today, master baker?’

For older kids, you could use phrases like:

"I'm here if you need me"

"What are you going to do next?"

"Would you like some help, or would you like to have another go?”

You are there, engaged, but not automatically stepping in to fix, correct or speed things up. I know it can be hard, but often the learning is in the mistakes we make ourselves.

Resist the Urge to Take Over

Now, in the midst of being the ‘cool, calm, collected’ adult that sits and watches their kids create, a feeling of anxiety may start to creep in. Our default settings as adults can override our intentions at times and it may be hard not to step in.

You might know they're going to spill it.

You might know they're using the wrong bowl.

You might know it would be ready 15 minutes sooner if you just took over.

But - here’s a question for you - Does it need to be perfect? Or can you let them experience figuring it out?

I know I often talk about kids finding empowerment in baking. It’s something I am passionate about. Baking is such a great way for them to see what they can achieve - with you cheering them on and being alongside them.

Adding To Their Memory Bank

Every time a child successfully does something they haven't done before, and when they’ve done it mostly themselves, they're adding another little memory to their internal bank of:

‘I can do this and I can contribute.’

In this instance, they are also learning that they are capable of creating something meaningful for someone else.

The Opportunity to Celebrate Someone

There are many opportunities to make a special something for someone in the family - birthdays and other celebrations, special events, or simply because we want to do something thoughtful for someone we love.

We don’t need to rush out and spend money on gifts all the time - a simple card and a heartfelt kitchen creation can mean a lot, and can also be a chance for kids to feel like their time, effort and creativity can be a meaningful gift to someone. The experience of making something for someone they love will also be wonderful for the memory bank.

Let Them Run the Kitchen- for kids of ALL AGES

Propose the idea of creating something for someone else- ‘Would you like to’ or ‘I know what we could do’ and then see if they would even like to create something in the kitchen. If they are not keen - don’t force it, but leave it open for them to create something in the future (they can always change their mind!).

If they are keen, there are so many things that can be done themselves.

* Choose what they want to make

* Find the recipe

* Read the instructions

* Find the bowls and utensils

* Collect the ingredients

* Measure

* Mix

* Take turns

* Set timers

* Prepare the table

* Plate the food

* Present it to their special person

* Help clean up

Yes, you read that right - clean-up is part of the achievement, so get them to take the lead on that too - although that may need a bit more encouragement than other traditional ‘fun’ parts.

Something Special to Share

Here is a recipe kids can really take ownership of - and one that someone special will enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Muffins

The person receiving it may remember the food. But the kids will remember ‘I made that myself, and I was trusted to do it.’ And that is a pretty wonderful gift for the whole family.

Happy baking,

-Heather xx