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Let's Get Cooking

Henry has started to take a more active role in the kitchen. We started by asking him to help set the table, but I wanted him to be able to participate in making our food too. 
Henry tests out his new Learning Tower.
In order to do help out in the kitchen Henry really needs to be able to reach the counter and the sink, so I started looking into stepping stools that might work for us. A basic 2-step stool does not bring him high enough. I've heard that some people use dining chairs as a makeshift platform for their kiddos, but we have a dinette with benches that cannot move around the kitchen easily. Instead, I have been eying the Learning Tower. The price for a new one was out of our range, so Daddy thought he might build one for Christmas. Then last month, I found a great deal on a used Learning Tower so we jumped at the opportunity to buy it.
Henry helps Grandma make applesauce.
The Learning Tower does take up a fair bit of real estate in our compact kitchen, but I think it has been worth the investment so far. Now Henry can easily reach the counter tops and the kitchen sink. As he gets taller, we can adjust the standing platform to his height. For now, we lift Henry in and out of the tower, but there is a built-in ladder on the side that he can use when he gets older to go up and down. It is a very sturdy and stable piece of furniture that will last for many years, and one that we will likely be able to resell when Henry no longer needs it. 
Henry help measure ingredients for his first batch of homemade cookies.
It's a little messy, but Henry is excited to help in the kitchen.
We got off to a slow start using the Learning Tower for the first few weeks, but this month we been using it frequently. Henry has helped to make applesauce, cookies, and a few batches of oatmeal. He has even started asking to be lifted up in the tower when I forget to include him in meal preparation.
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Comments

  1. JoyOctober 17, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Very fun! I've been looking at those too and they are so expensive. It's awesome that you found a used one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 18, 2013 at 10:15 AM

      Keep an eye on your local craigslist, Facebook swap boards, or kids consignment sales. You might be surprised at what you can find!

      Delete
  2. sanchesginger@gmail.comJune 22, 2016 at 10:04 PM

    It's so cute that your son helps to you with kitchen work, because it's a rare activity. By the way, the Learning Tower and write my paper increase his productivity a bit. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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