The kitchen is more than just a place for cooking; it's a magical world of exploration and discovery for small children. We sat down with Josefine, mom to 2-year-old Otto, to discuss the joys and challenges of fostering curiosity and love for food through kitchen exploration.

This blog post is a part of BIBS’ Real Parenting. Here, parents share their stories, experiences, and parenthood journey. Parenthood comes to life in the stories we share – whether it is moments of happiness or moments of sadness, we can all learn from each other.

The Kitchen as a Playground

The kitchen is the perfect playground for exploring and doing something together as a family. Josefine explains: “In our home, the kitchen isn't just a place for cooking; it's our family's favorite playground for exploring and creating together. We have bought a high stool so Otto can reach the kitchen counter. He especially loves to cut different kinds of food into pieces. Sometimes, we also decorate food together to look like funny animals.”

Bonding

The kitchen can also be a place for bonding as a family. Josefine shares: “It's also where we bond as a family. Since Otto is only two, it has until now been limited what he has been able to help with, but we have always tried to include him in some way – even if it is just letting him sit on the kitchen counter and taste the ingredients or watch us make dinner. Even when we are busy and make something quick, we include him somehow. It is important that we are together and that he learns that he is a part of the family.” "

A place for learning

The kitchen is also a place for learning. “We try to make it both fun and teaching for Otto when we include him in the dinner preparations. We talk about the colors of the food, different tastes, and textures. If we make homemade pizza, we include a lot of different colorful and healthy toppings he can taste and touch while helping decorate the pizza. We also talk a lot about where food comes from. We have tomatoes and herbs on our balcony, so he can pick them himself. We have also visited a farm to see the cows and pigs and collected eggs ourselves”.

Read the blog post: Exploring, Learning, and Having Fun: 5 Kitchen Adventures with Little Ones >>

Creating memories

Cooking together isn't just about food; it's also about creating lasting memories. “My partner and I have so many fond memories from our childhood that we want to pass on to Otto—cherished traditions and recipes that have been passed down. For example, my grandmother always welcomed us into her kitchen. She's still the one I turn to for recipes. Even at 94, she remains vibrant and healthy, and every summer, we come together to prepare the same meals we have for the last 30 years. I hope that when Otto grows up, he'll treasure these moments with the same fondness I hold from my childhood memories."

Josefine's journey with her little foodie-in-training is a testament to the wonders of exploring the kitchen with your child. So, why not embark on your culinary adventures with your little one? Who knows, you might raise the next great chef!

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