Cooking Dinner with a Toddler: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Inform your toddler that it’s time to prepare dinner.
2. Suggest that they engage with their toy kitchen during this time.
3. Enthusiastically announce, “I’m going to create something delicious! Would you like to make something yummy too?”
4. Quietly express gratitude that your toddler is excited about this idea.
5. Begin the dinner preparation process.
6. Clean the potatoes thoroughly.
7. Fill a pot with water, ensuring it’s ready for boiling.
8. Crush some garlic to enhance flavor.
9. Bring the water to a boil.
10. Encourage your toddler to also “boil” water in their play kitchen.
11. Remind them that they can use pretend water from their toy faucet.
12. Attempt to soothe your toddler if they become restless.
13. If they remain agitated, allow them to fetch a BPA-free plastic cup to get real water.
14. Emphasize the importance of only taking a small amount.
15. Reflect on whether suggesting pretend boiling was a wise decision.
16. Retrieve the protein from the refrigerator.
17. Observe your toddler at the fridge, ready to fill their cup.
18. Offer assistance to your toddler.
19. Gently remind them that we don’t swat in this household.
20. Stand back as they exclaim, “I. SAID. DON’T. HELP. ME!”
21. Watch as water spills from the cup onto the floor.
22. Bite your tongue and resist the urge to say “I told you so.”
23. Try to comfort your upset toddler.
24. Rush upstairs for a towel.
25. Return with a larger towel for the mess.
26. Clean up the puddle, carefully maneuvering around your toddler, who is still on the floor.
27. Ask your toddler how you can help them feel better.
28. Inform them that a lollipop isn’t possible right now since dinner is almost ready.
29. Remind them that scratching isn’t acceptable behavior.
30. Notice a slight scratch on your arm and say, “Look, you hurt Mommy/Daddy.”
31. Allow your toddler to gently touch your face as they apologize, “Sowee Mommy/Daddy. Can I have a lollipop now?”
32. Hand over the bag of lollipops and let them choose one.
33. Explain that there are no more blue lollipops.
34. Expect questions about why that’s the case.
35. Remind them that they consumed all the blue lollipops in one day.
36. Clarify that you cannot go get more right now due to cooking.
37. Stress that we do not throw lollipops, especially an entire bag.
38. Try to redirect your toddler’s attention.
39. Ask if they would help set the table.
40. Watch them dash to the cutlery drawer.
41. Quickly season the protein while they gather forks.
42. Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature.
43. Praise your toddler for their effort in setting the table.
44. Ask them to fetch the napkins.
45. Tidy up the forks while your toddler is distracted.
46. Turn around to find your toddler has noticed your adjustments.
47. Hold your breath as they approach, visibly upset.
48. Remind them that silverware should not be thrown.
49. Brace yourself.
50. Attempt to reassure your toddler.
51. Ask if they can help pick up the forks.
52. Thank your toddler for their assistance.
53. Offer a tissue if they seem in need.
54. As they go for a tissue, quickly recover the napkins that were scattered.
55. Add the potatoes to the boiling water.
56. Offer to let your toddler watch Doc McStuffins.
57. Explain that outdoor play isn’t an option right now.
58. Suggest watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse instead.
59. Wonder why other toddlers can enjoy TV without fuss.
60. Invite them to help dry lettuce using the salad spinner.
61. After five minutes of spinning, explain the spinner needs a break.
62. Allow your toddler to taste the lettuce.
63. Kindly remind them to refrain from spitting it out.
64. Ask for a napkin to clean up the mess.
65. Realize it was unwise to bring up napkins again.
66. Watch as your toddler walks over to the table.
67. See them notice the napkins already placed.
68. Observe them crumple each napkin and throw them on the floor.
69. Ask if they feel better now.
70. Attempt to console your toddler.
71. Apologize for the mix-up and say it was their turn for napkins.
72. Gently pat their back in reassurance.
73. Suggest they return the napkins to the table.
74. Watch as they carefully re-place the crumpled napkins.
75. Rinse cucumbers and tomatoes.
76. Slice both for the salad.
77. Ask if your toddler wants to help with the mashed potatoes.
78. Silently hope they decline.
79. Smile as they enthusiastically agree.
80. Assist them in dragging a chair to the counter.
81. Caution them about the hot potatoes.
82. Prepare milk and butter for the mash.
83. Get the potato masher ready.
84. Strain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
85. Allow your toddler to help mash the potatoes.
86. Politely ask for a turn after a bit.
87. Warn them they have one more minute.
88. Let them know their minute is up.
89. Count to three if they don’t hand over the masher.
90. Count slowly.
91. Comfort your toddler as you finish mashing.
92. Add milk and butter to the potatoes.
93. Continue to console your toddler while seasoning.
94. Allow them to add a generous amount of salt to the now-cold mashed potatoes.
95. Toss the salad together.
96. Call the rest of the family for dinner.
97. Give a stern look when they question the crumpled napkins and cold potatoes.
98. Finally realize you forgot to cook the protein.

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In summary, cooking dinner while managing a toddler can be an adventure filled with mishaps and challenges. However, with patience, creativity, and a little distraction, it can also be an opportunity for bonding and fun. For more helpful parenting insights, you might find this resource useful. Check out this link as well, as they provide excellent guidance on home insemination topics. Don’t forget to visit this blog for additional pregnancy resources.