What can I get my kids to do while I'm cooking dinner?

[purtig]

My 2 boys are always fighting lately and the 2 year old has just learnt the word 'my' and hates sharing. Our kitchen is small and narrow and I want to be able to cook dinner by myself. I bake with them every 2nd day or so and they get their own breakfast and help at lunch, so I really want to do dinner on my own. So how can I keep them occupied while I cook? I try and get everything chopped and prepared after lunch while they are watching tv. I can't use the tv again at cooking time because they will be watching too much then and it is becoming an issue. Sometimes playdoh works. Colouring usually doesn't. Outside is ok when it's not too hot though we have a trampoline so don't like leaving them alone too long.

Please can you suggest some activities they can do with very little input from me that will keep them occupied for half an hour or so? Thanks!

[laylasmumma23]

Something that involves construction..like lego!!
Lego is an awesome thing for two children to play with. Even when one doesn't want to share. The big duplo kind, so not to risk choking whilst your back is turned.

Playdough can be made interesting by getting cookie cutters or a garlic press so they can make 'worms' and rolling pins, even those coloured toothpicks or pipe cleaners to make 'birthday cakes' you can get them from craft shops..or the cheapie shops.
Glitter in a salt shaker to make it sparkle...depends on if its homemade playdough or bought stuff.

Puzzles?
Blocks?
Books?
Construction- boxes, toilet rolls, glueing, wool, straws (anything really) cutting, sticky taping sort of thing..crafty stuff?

sorry i cant really think of anything else..hth :thumbsup: good luck :)

[Caithi]

Get them to prepare tomorrow nights veges for eg scrub a potato pile , its surprisingly really handy and they seem to love it.

Alternatively, why dont you set up a chefs bench - put paper plates down, get them to draw special meals on them for ma ma and da da to eat later.

Just throwing some ideas in the mix.:thumbsup:

[tootiredtosleep]

I let DD1 "paint", I get an old towel on the floor, give her a paint brush and a small cup of water and then find a plastic toy to 'paint'. She thinks its real and sits for a long while painting.

Otherwise she loves drawing on her chalk board, she wont sit still for colouring in books, so the chalk board works well.

[PunkyDiva]

Paint a blackboard on the wall, supply some chalk and a cloth and hey presto kids occupied.:thumbsup:

Give them aprons, plastic baby knives, a bowl and some vege's to chop, and use in dinner or for a salad the next day.

Let them set the table with plastic stuff.

Get DH to bath them.:D

[nicoleE]

it probably isnt much of an option with your narrow kitchen and the fact that you would need 2 (and they are not cheap) but I thought Id mention it anyway, have you heard of a 'funpod'? http://www.metromum.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=535&utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc
(you can also search for funpod on youtube and see some promotional videos)

some people dont like the idea of them but I really do and will probably soon be getting DD one as I am already at a loss as to what to do with her on the occasions she doesnt want to sit and play in her playroom while I am in the kitchen. my main problem is dinner preparation as this time of day she isnt happy playing on her own as much. they can not only safely help in the kitchen you can have them up against the bench top at a safe distance and play with other things on the bench and not have them at your feet or running around.

I have heard of people making their own version of them at a fraction of the cost (my DH is unfortunately not a handyman though so I need to buy one :rolleyes:)

[jag5000]

could you juggle around their day a bit so they can have tv time while you are cooking?

when DD was little I covered my fridge in clear contact paper turning it into a giant whiteboard. She loved drawing while I cooked. (in fact I still do it now but use it for my shopping list!) I kept the whiteboard markers away until that time so it was a special thing do to and she didn't get bored. Oh btw.. they wipe off with a damp cloth easily

[Pixie]

Change the TV time to later - chop - cook - done
would that work?