One of the reasons I love to bake is because it engages all of your senses. 😁
The feel of dough, the aroma of freshly baked bread, or the taste of a rich chocolate cake creates a memory associated with that sensation, smell, or flavour.
Triggering one of these senses can effortlessly recall that memory and this is what makes baking the perfect activity to create those special moments with your child.
Baking with kids should be easy and fun. But the thought of it can result in overwhelm, a fear of failure and worry about the chaos that may ensue. It's enough to deter even the most enthusiastic mums.
If you feel this way, you are not alone, I've heard from many mums who experience the same.
So how do you get over these feelings?
Identifying what's causing your anxiety is a start. Below is a list of some common causes that many mums mention when they talk about baking with their kids. See if any of these sound familiar and read on for suggestions on how you can overcome them.
5 Common Things Mums Worry about before Baking with their Kids.
- Mess: Flour-covered countertops to spills and mountains of washing up. You dread the thought of having a huge clean up operation on your hands once it's all over.
- Failure: The idea of a baking disaster can be daunting. Worrying about ruining a recipe, wasting ingredients, or serving something inedible to the family.
- No Time: You're juggling multiple responsibilities, and baking feels like an indulgent activity that you just don't have time for.
- Can't Bake: No confidence in your own baking abilities means you definitely don't feel confident enough to teach someone else.
- Fussy Eaters: Your kids are fussy eaters so you're worried that all the effort involved will just go to waste.
10 Ways to Overcome your Fears:
1. Start Small: Start with simple recipes that need a few ingredients and are quick to prepare. Gradually work your way up to more complex recipes as your confidence grows.
2. Plan and Organise: Before you start, read the recipe thoroughly and gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Being prepared will reduce anxiety and prevent last-minute rushes.
3. Embrace Imperfections: Not every baking session will be perfect. There may be messes and minor mishaps, but these are part of the fun and learning experience. To keep the mess to a minimum download my FREE guide, Less Mess Baking for Busy Mums.
4. Involve the Kids: Involve your children in the process. Baking with kids can be a wonderful way to bond and teach them valuable skills. Even if they're fussy eaters they'll be more enthusiastic to try something they've had a part in creating.
5. Learn from Mistakes: Baking failures happen to everyone. Instead of being discouraged, view them as valuable learning opportunities. Review what went wrong and how you can improve next time.
6. Time Management: If time is a concern, look for quick and easy recipes that fit into your schedule. Prepare some ingredients in advance to streamline the process.
7. Online Resources: There are countless online resources, blogs, and video tutorials that can help you develop your baking skills. Take advantage of these free sources of knowledge.
8. Attend Baking Classes: Consider enrolling in local baking classes or workshops. Learning from experienced instructors can boost your confidence and give you hands-on experience, whilst making a mess in someone else's kitchen.
9. Set Realistic Expectations: Not every baking attempt needs to be a masterpiece. The goal is to create delicious treats and cherish the moments with your children.
10. Enjoy the Process: Baking isn't just about the end product; it's about the experience. Savour the laughter, the conversation, and the joy of sharing your creations with loved ones.
Baking confidence may not be a skill you have right now but it's one that can be developed over time. Overcoming your worries will turn your baking sessions into memorable moments that help you spend quality time with your children.
Embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy what you've made together.
Take that leap of faith and start baking with confidence today. Your family will love the time you spend baking together. Those memories will come flooding back every time they smell their favourite cake being baked or taste a homemade cookie.
If you'd like more tips on how to bake with less mess and stress, download my FREE guide today. Including my easiest chocolate cake ever, which is dairy and egg free.
Less Mess Baking Guide For Busy Mums
Happy Baking.
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