Back to School: Create A Kitchen System That Works
Back to school preparations are upon us! This time of year is full of excitement, energy, and let’s be real - a little bit of chaos. Each year I find myself looking for new ways to stay organized and create systems that work for our ever-evolving needs. Right now, my focus is on the kitchen and how I can make it a safe, efficient, and kid-friendly area so they can participate in all the preparations for the school week. The kitchen acts as the hub of the household, so it’s important to find ways that make it function for the whole family.
CONSIDER SAFETY
When talking about kids in kitchens, we have a lot of things to consider. There are things that are too hot, too cold, breakable, sharp, delicate, and heavy - not exactly words that describe a kid-friendly zone. However, there are ways we can practice risk management while encouraging good kitchen habits:
ESTABLISH GUIDELINES ON WHICH UTENSILS AND APPLIANCES ARE OFF-LIMITS. THIS CHANGES AS THE CHILD AGES AND RESPONSIBILITY INCREASES.
MOVE OR LOCK AWAY ANY DETERGENTS OR CLEANERS A CHILD MAY FIND INTERESTING TO GET INTO.
EDUCATE AND TALK OPENLY ABOUT HOW THINGS WORK (THE OVEN, STOVE, MICROWAVE) AND MONITOR AS THEY PRACTICE.
DESIGNATE KID-FRIENDLY AREAS
Involving your whole family in a kitchen space means that things need to be accessible. Creating spaces for children-specific items can be helpful for your own organization and planning. Depending on the space and size of your kitchen, here are some ways you can designate a kid-friendly zone:
CREATE A LUNCH-PACKING DRAWER FILLED WITH THEIR BOXES AND CONTAINERS. THEY CAN GRAB THEM AND PUT THEM AWAY.
DESIGNATE A KIDs-only utensil drawer where they can grab their own forks, spoons, straws, and other tools.
SET up a water station with plastic cups, water bottles, and a large water dispenser. this way they can refill on their own.
ORGANIZE YOUR PANTRY
Easier said than done, we know it! However, when your pantry flows and makes sense, mealtime and lunch prep can go much smoother. Consider taking a weekend to research ways your pantry can be organized. If you’re short on time, there are plenty of professional organizers that can help make this happen too. Keep food reachable and visible, store ingredients in clear containers, and keep a grocery list nearby.
SET A SCHEDULE
There are times when the kitchen can be “OPEN” and times when the kitchen is “CLOSED”. Establish times when the space is allowed to be messy and wild and times when you work together for cleanup. When are lunches prepped for school, in the morning or the night before? When are dinners prepped for the week, once a week on Sunday or fresh every night? Who is in charge of unloading the dishwasher and sweeping the floors? And remember - it doesn’t have to be perfect. But creating some guidelines around this busy space will help ease your mind and help the family work together.
MAKE IT FUN
Memories are made in the kitchen. Have your favorite cookbooks on display. Share your child’s artwork on the fridge. Purchase plates and bowls that are full of color and function. Hook up a small speaker or TV for music to dance to or watch morning cartoons. We all know that kitchens can be a source of stress, but they can also be a source of happiness. Share meals around your kitchen table, and at the end of the night - wipe the counters and light a candle for a brief moment of peace.
