Kids in the Kitchen was a feature on my old blog that I hadn’t implemented here on The Pirate Mom Dot Com yet.  I like to have my kids with me in the kitchen (sometimes).  I like to teach them new skills (sometimes).  I enjoy when we can all pitch in together and get ‘er done (sometimes). 

When I was a child, I spent most of my Thanksgivings watching the parades in my PJs and being really hungry until about 3:00pm when we could finally eat.  All the while my mom and grandma slaved away in the kitchen, working to put a feast on the table for our family.  Not that I want to rob my own children of those same experiences, but I see value in their helping prepare the annual meal.  It doesn’t have to be complex or even very time-consuming.  Here is how my children helped this year…

Bonny Annie  is usually in charge of the desserts, and this year was no exception.  She always makes pumpkin pie, but this year she also wanted to try apple pie, and both creations were very delicious.

Dirty Harry made the green bean casserole (with a little help).  And, as you can see, hair cuts are optional for being able to help in the kitchen.

When your kids help, I’ve discovered they eat more.  Harrison had three helpings of his casserole.  The only thing he’s ever eaten three helpings of willingly is perhaps Laffy Taffy.

Cap’n Jack Henry helped with nothing.  He did, however, manage to be cute enough to inspire creative dessert concoctions.

Here are some other ideas to get your kids involved in holiday meal preparation…

• Help to prepare Jell-o salads.  They are really hard to mess up, but I actually managed to do so this year.
• Arrange veggies and dip for an appetizer tray.
• Set the table.
• Pour drinks.
• Bake the rolls.
• Make a salad.

The possibities are endless, depending on what you and your family traditionally have on the table.  Just make sure to involve the young ones.  It will guarantee happy, thankful faces!