Following on from my Top Toys For Toddlers – Bathroom Edition, here’s some of the best toddler and baby toys found in your kitchen.
1. Knives
I’m not sure what caused the obsession with this one, I’m starting to think how fun something is is directly related to how much damage it can cause. If anything needs chopping or slicing (or even if it doesn’t), toddlers will always offer a helping hand. Don’t bother with pretend or plastic ones, they know the difference. Good luck.
2. Washing up liquid
Made especially fun if it’s the expensive stuff, or if you are running low. The kid from the fairy liquid advert would be able to make plenty of rockets in my house, we get through so much of it. Even more fun if they get it all over the floor. Surprisingly not so fun if you buy them their own (cheap) bottle and allow them to play with it in a controlled setting, apparently permission makes it way less appealing.
3. Washing machine buttons
My favourite thing ever is when you open the washing machine door after your load is finished, only to discover it hasn’t even started because your lovely toddler had turned the machine off as soon as your back was turned. Yes my machine has a child lock setting, but it’s no match for my child. This one is actually quite a handy excuse for when you accidentally leave your washing in the machine for so long that it needs rewashing, just blame the kids.
4. Hob
I can guarantee they won’t take any notice of your hob or oven until it’s on. It’s just the law of toddlers. The more dangerous = the more fun to be had. They will want to help (hinder) in any way possible and no amount of distraction or explanation of how hot it is will deter them. Sometimes though you can convince them that the oven is actually a TV and get them to sit quietly and watch.
5. Scissors
Are you seeing a pattern here? Another potentially dangerous item in your kitchen that will attract your toddler like a little magpie. If you think buying a little child friendly pair will help then you’re mistaken, they only want the biggest, sharpest pair you own. The only real option here is to hide them, somewhere they’ll never look, like the fruit basket.
6. Fridge Freezer
If I had £1 for every time I’ve come into the kitchen to discover my freezer defrosting because the door has been left open… I’d have enough money to replace everything that’s melted. Our fridge door makes a little beeping noise if you’ve had it open for too long. Unfortunately this has now become part of the ‘game’ and the ‘challenge’ is to get it to beep for as long as possible. The only thing MORE fun than that is the water dispenser… If you’re ever buying a new fridge don’t be fooled by those. You might see an easy way to get a refreshing drink, your child sees an easy way to flood your kitchen.
So, you’ve been warned! What else does your child love playing with in the kitchen? Why do we even bother buying them toys when they have all this cool stuff to ruin the house with? Let me know in the comments!
Photography by Mr. Adam Robertson