Expert shares tips to help kids make Mother's Day special for mom
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While Mother's Day is all about showing appreciation for moms across the world, it also offers kids an opportunity to attempt some DIY methods of making mom smile.
Marianne Szymanski of Toy Tips joined us on Wednesday, April 17 to showcase some methods for kids to have fun making mom happy. She also offered these personalized tips for CBS 58 viewers to help kids prepare mom's favorite meals:
Moms love that “breakfast in bed” holiday and there are many child-friendly recipes and kitchen tools that make it easy for kids to cook and help out while learning math and measuring skills. They can utilize social skills and interact with other family members while honoring Mom.
1. Make a Muffin Board
There is a lot of science behind making a fluffy muffin. Teaching children how to mix ingredients together and what makes a muffin bake properly sparks an interest in baking, measurement and math. There is aways a secret ingredient and the best part is wondering what imaginative flavor it might be.
2. Smoothie Operator
We are all used to blending smoothies and serving with a straw. But there is another way. Frothing.
Frothers have become a trendy tool with coffee enthusiasts but it can be used for other things. Kids find this gadget to be fun to use and it is easy to whip up flavored froths to pour on top of morning beverages. Here is a recipe for a banana foster coffee cold brew with a vanilla bean froth.
3. Strawberry Waffles. This secret family recipe has been used for years and I’m going to share it with you. The added touch is to grow your own strawberries. Planting is a way for parents to spend an activity together and create an intentional experience to share on a daily basis. The element of surprise as a plant grows created excitement and learning and tending to them daily teaches responsibility.
4. Decorating Eggs isn’t just for Easter. Kids can decorate regular eggs with markers and put them in the egg carton for mom to find to and use as she makes meals. What a big smile this will bring to Mom to find an unsuspecting surprise waiting for her in the refrigerator.
5. Spice is Nice:
Kids can learn how gravity works by helping to finish off a dish with a quick turn of this electric grinder for salt or pepper. This tool is easy to use and with the encouragement of a parent promotes a discussion about the science of gravity and why salt and pepper is added often to a dish for extra flavor.
Bonus: When preparing a special tray for mom, include a simple food themed board game to play with her later. Whether it is age appropriate for mom or not, it should be age appropriate for the child. Moms will appreciate the gesture to continue her celebration with the gift of time with her child throughout the day.