WFMW - Toddlers in the kitchen

Today is an "in the kitchen" theme for Works for Me Wednesday, which is highly convenient because I was already planning to write something about the kitchen. I love it when things work out that way!

When we moved into this house a few months ago, I knew I would have to do things differently because Kaitlyn would go from having ZERO access to the kitchen to having FULL access.

I read on someone's blog that she created a special cupboard in the kitchen for her kids, where they could easily access a few specific things, and decided to do a version of that in my kitchen.

(I wish I could remember where I saw this so I could give proper credit.)

I designated the bottom drawer as Kaitlyn's. In it are her cups and bowls. (All of her sippy cups were in the dishwasher or dirty when I took this picture - it isn't usually this empty.)


I also have a small island, and in its cupboard I keep all of my plastic containers:

The most convenient thing about this setup is that whenever Kaitlyn is curious about things in the kitchen and wants to get into cupboards or drawers at her level, I can direct her attention to these places.

She has learned that she has full access to this drawer and cupboard without mom getting upset. I let her pull things out to her heart's content - it's a harmless way to keep her occupied while I make dinner or clean up.

At some point I plan to reorganize some of my other cupboards and will more fully utilize the empty space in my island cupboard, but anything I put in there will be Kaitlyn-friendly - plastic measuring cups, bowls, etc.

Also, as she gets older, I will start to include snacks or other food items, like cereal, so she access them by herself.

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more in-the-kitchen tips and ideas!