Pasta in a wine glass, anyone?!
My 10 year-old daughter set up her own restaurant at home last weekend complete with menus and a bill – scroll for photos. I had no involvement, just enjoyed the dishes she had produced. A win-win surely?! I remember doing similar as a kid with my sisters.
Why am I telling you this?
I didn’t tell her what to do at all – she must have copied her surroundings to get her ideas, thus never underestimate the importance and power of role modelling at the table. I always tell parents to be mindful of their words and actions if we want to raise happy eaters, not stressed ones, as they are always listening.
Play becomes infinitely easier when you let them lead the way and go with their ideas, it’s so much easier than feeling you have to come up with something elaborate. (I must counterbalance this with a large part of the day was also on ipads and tv ahem…)
To remind you of the benefits of messy play, as long as there is no expectation to try it, too much pressure. Use the time to experiment.
What did your child last do in the kitchen – set the table, peel a carrot, I want to know below.
PS Video below of my girl serving pasta like that was apparently inspired by You Tube!
