Here’s a fact every parent knows: anything done with kids is a hundred times more fun and a hundred times messier.
If you want to share your favorite activity with your kids, it doesn’t have to be as messy as you’re anticipating.
With some tips and tricks, you can make sure they have all the fun they want while your kitchen stays decent. I’ll let you in on some genius hacks for baking with kids!
1 – Distribute the Tasks Accordingly
While preparing for this baking party with your kids, remember to distribute the tasks accordingly. First, write down the recipe and break down the steps into kid-friendly ones and adult-necessary ones.
For younger kids, give tasks like spooning out portions or decorating. If your kids are a bit older, you can teach them some baking basics like running the mixer or measuring ingredients. You can also give them some intricate shapes to decorate.
For more advanced tasks like turning on the oven and checking whether the baked goods are done, volunteer as tribute and keep the kids aside!
2 – Do Prep Work
The best thing to do to minimize mess while baking with kids is to do the necessary prep work beforehand. If your kids are young, pre-measure all ingredients and put them in small bowls. That way, all your kids will do is put the ingredients on top of each other and stir.
I’ll be honest here: this method will probably have you washing more dishes than you anticipated. However, at least personally, I’d rather wash dishes than clean the dough mess off my kitchen counters and floor.
When your kids get a little older, you can have them measure the ingredients and prep with you.
3 – Get Kid-Sized Tools
If you want your kids to love baking, you have to do it right. They won’t have fun doing it with your own adult-sized tools. Instead, you should get them their own baking kit with tiny measuring cups and cookie cutters.
You can also get them customized aprons with their names on them. This way, they’ll be excited for the next time they get to bake or cook with you.
4 – Put Some Music On
Some tasks of baking may be boring for kids, like kneading or stirring slowly. Because kids are usually not good with activities that require patience, you’ll have to find something to fill the background silence.
My best hack is to put some music on and create a singing contest. When the kids start singing or humming their favorite soundtracks, they’ll focus on the task at hand without getting bored.
5 – Give Them a Sense of Ownership
Kids feel responsible when they have a sense of ownership.
When they know that what they’re baking is theirs and will be customized according to their own preferences, they’ll be more careful with it—that’s based on experience!
That’s why I recommend getting creative garnishes, sprinkles, and decorating treats for your kids to use. Tell them to customize their baked meals any way they like, and the independency will make them feel responsible enough to get a good result.
Final Thoughts
Baking with kids isn’t easy, no matter what your neighbors and friends tell you. However, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be fun!
Follow these genius hacks, and you’ll hopefully have a mess-free baking session with your kids. Or, to be more honest, you’ll minimize the mess!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.