Wedding Cakes Pans

The World Of Play Kitchens: A Kid's First Culinary Experience

One of the fondest memories of infancy my sisters and I share is making connoisseur mud pies in our play kitchen sets. At the time I did not put much thought into the invaluable academic benefits of play kitchens, but only that this was a fun toy that my siblings and I were able to play with together; and that was enough.

Casting back on the times I spent with my family in the kitchen play set, I wonder about the life abilities we learned while simply playing. These modest toys contain all that you need for creative thinking, imagination, cooperative play, and independence. From starting point to end point the kitchen invites youngsters to explore and experiment while cooking ridicule meals for themselves, family, buddies or imagined guests. They feel free to make whatever they wish, whether that be mud pies topped with a grass and dandelion decoration or plastic salad with spatters and cookies. Letting youngsters to perform the functions of an adult, even make-believe, lets the child gain autonomy and pride in their achievements.

Back in my days of playing in the "my sized kitchen", I had a hollow, plastic set with stickers for stove burners and peculiar plastic food pieces. A standard kitchen set included 1 or 2 pots and pans, some plastic produce, breads and meat, and even perhaps a toaster that would spring up a piece of toast with a very contented face on it. Card was another popular corner shop imitation material, cereal boxes with bright prints and milk cartons that dad and mom had to fold into shape before playtime commenced.

Nowadays I find myself envious of the play kitchens my toddlers have to make a choice from. It appears that for each circumstance there exists a specialized kitchen for the task. From retro kitchens made from wood and plastic to modern kitchens made to imitate granite and chrome steel, it seems the opportunities are unlimited. Instead of having only the meager appliance selection from my past, youngsters have selections that include; microwaves, blenders, espresso coffee machines, food processors, stand mixers and pasta machines.

Kitchen play sets are versatile toys with endless potential for education and fun. These activity venues continue to evolve as the years pass bringing new methods to explore. If it weren't for the small kitchen set I had as a child I fear I'd have missed out on many wonderful experiences that have lasted my lifetime.

Jennifer Niland is a mother of twin girls living in Virginia. When not creating custom wedding cakes or writing about play kitchens for kids, she enjoys making gourmet meals for her partner, with her girls, in their Kidkraft Kitchen.

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