A lot of parents ask me, “How do you do it? How do you have a good experience in the kitchen with kids?” They tell me they can’t have the mess, they don’t want the disorganization – they just can’t do it. And I answer, yes, you can. Getting kids in the kitchen is a beautiful thing. The kitchen is a wonderful place to make memories – and those memories can be fond ones (as opposed to the miserable, crying ones). In fact, making food with children is an amazing multipurpose activity. Not only are there numerous fun learning opportunities with food as you talk about science, math, logistics, and chemistry but you can build self-esteem at the same time. And having the “carrot” of a delicious treat at the end doesn’t hurt either.

November is upon us, with its crisp autumn air and cozy sweaters. Thanksgiving is right on our doorsteps. Unbelievable! I am grateful that our schools have been able to open. I am grateful, too, for the time we get to spend with our families (both near and far, via Zoom or in person). Whether your kids are going to school in person or not, here are some hands-on activities you can do with them for after-school snack or a mid-morning break. Encouraging healthy eating habits happens by having good food around, out, and available. And fruits and vegetables are so much more interesting when they pretend to be something else (like a turkey) and when you make them yourself. Children tend to eat these projects as soon as they’re done, if not before. The older the children, the more complex their food projects could be; adding flair and design is part of the fun. It’s also fun for the adults to join in and make their own projects. I’d love to see pictures of the things you and your children make.

On March 15, 2020 we started sheltering in place. It will have been 201 days by the time Sukkos arrives. Loved ones have passed, friends have had babies, simchas and milestones have come and gone, and hugs were given virtually. What have I learned? 1) That spending time with my kids is time well spent. 2) That everyone loves mail. If you miss someone, send them a package. 3) That even though we have to conform to many rules, being kind, generous, and thoughtful is always good. 

Rosh Hashanah is coming – it’s hard to believe, I know – and I wish you a happy and healthy year, filled with worthwhile experiences, and good news! We all have a lot on our plates right now, so one way I plan to make Yom Tov easier is to cook and freeze ahead. Here are a few tips about freezing:

Kids love to cook, and cooking is a great activity for this summer. One of my best “pro” tips in doing food projects with kids is to decide, going in, that they don’t have to do it your way. They can do it their own way. The goal of the project is to have fun. Will there be a mess at the end? Likely – but if you expect it, it’s easier to take. It helps to cover the table with a plastic tablecloth, to be thrown out at the end, which makes clean-up a bit easier.

Wow! COVID-19 has done quite a number on what we used to think of as “normal.” Nowadays, “flattening the curve” is the highest priority in my house. My husband (may he have a refu’a sheleima) is at high risk. We quickly stopped having direct contact with the outside world to try to ensure he doesn’t get the virus. Our hearts break with those who have been affected by this pandemic, and we want everyone to be as safe and healthy as possible. When we hear about those who struggled with the virus and came out the other side, we cheer their wins. When we hear about the overburdening of the system and the crazy-long hours the healthcare teams are working, we are so grateful for their efforts. May all the cholim of Bnei Yisrael have a refu’a sheleima.