Is this cute and normal or naughty?

Question

My 2.5 year old and I cook every day (at least during the week). We bake muffins or similar for the older 4's lunch the next day and she almost always helps me with dinner - even if it is just putting the cut up vegetables into the pot for me.

So my 12 year old is home sick, and I left the 2 of them watching TV while I swapped over my washing and I came back into the main rooms to find her in the kitchen (it is all open plan area) cracking eggs into a fry pan and then sprinkling the eggs with curry powder!

Now I personally think this is very cute, but my sister called and I told her that I was a bit busy cleaning up the mess (my daughter was helping me clean up)... and she said that my daughter was really naughty for doing that and I should put her in time out.

So who thinks this is normal exploring and experimenting for a 2 year old and who thinks it is naughty.

Oh, and while cleaning up the mess my daughter and I did have a little talk where I told her that cooking was for with mummy or daddy only and that she has to ask next time.

Answer 1

I think it's cute! You did the right thing. She was only trying to help after all, you don't want to put her off cooking. Well done.

Answer 2

hi well personally youre sister is nothing short of out of order ....youre daughter loves being in the kitchen and you could wll have the next top cook in youre hands .....this is normal and cute for kids to get into the kitchen and eggs always seem to be a big attraction .....i should know when my 3 daughters were young they went through the "lets crack eggs on the floor ""!!? god only knows why but it was a stage ......and any way you had a talk and explained that cooking was to be done with you or daddy .....and she stayed with you and helped clean up ....youre daughter sound like a lovely little girl and is just so interested in the world around her that you and her dad has created for her .....she doesnt need time out for that ....keep the time out for something that you feel deserves it .....youre doing a great job of being her mum .....take care xx

Answer 3

I don't think its naughty behaviour at all, in her mind she was probably helping you out!!  You handled it well by getting her to help you clean up and letting her know that she had to ask you or her daddy next time before she decides to do any more cooking!  Does your sister have any kids - cause it doesn't sound like a response from a person that has ever had a two year old!

Answer 4

Aww I think that is cute, she thinks she's helping, however was she at the stove with the frying pan? was it turned on or anything? if not I think a simple telling her not to do it again without should be enough, it's not like she did anything dangerous.

However IF she was at the stove and or had it turned on then a lil sppank on the bum should be dealt as what she was doing was  danderous and it's better to get a lil tap on the bum then get herself burnt. so yeah just depends how far she got. My 3yr old does it here and there too (cracks the eggs into the frying pan) but never goes near the stove lol. IF she wasn't near the stove, timeout seems awfully harsh when she's only 2½.

and no it's not naughty at all, she just needs to be reminded alot that there are just some things right now she can't do alone is all.

She had good intentions it seems. how can anyone say it's naughty

Answer 5

You did the best thing talking to her about it. She obviously was trying to be like mommy and help. A child especially a 2.5yr. old doesn't know or recognise right from wrong or even danger.How absolutly adorable Cute,Cute,and Cute. You must be very proud of her! How thoughtful to try and help.

Answer 6

I think its cute. I dont think she needs time out but yeah if you explained to her not to do kitchen stuff without Mummy and daddy because it can be dangerous etc and she does it again, it would be naughty.

Answer 7

She was trying to be helpful - I see nothing wrong with that.

My son's have all had a go at one time or another, but they do know that only big hands turn on our stove (it's gas).

Children learn from their parents - She knows Mummy does that, and she idolises her mother. My kids always help me in the kitchen, and I think it's great. My sister in-law thinks it is wrong *Children have no place in the kitchen Charli* hehe

Naughty - No way, I would NOT be punishing her. I would be explaining as you did, and thanking her for trying to be able to helpful.

Answer 8

I think it is very cute! Now with that being said, I don't know if I personally would have been so calm and rational about it, God Bless You! She cooks with you so she thinks it is normal. At least you had the opportunity to talk with her and explain that she can't do it without Mum or Dad. That is great she is so into helping, keep up the good work ; )

Answer 9

Normal curiosity and experimenting but needs to be corrected and agree a time out would of been most effective.  It is to late to do it now thought hopefully she  won't do it again

Answer 10

OMG when i was  3 or 4 , I would go into the kitchen and make scrambled  eggs. My mom would be so mad, because i was at the stove by myself.

BUT every time she cooked, she let me help. At 10 years old she let me cook a WHOLE dinner, by myself.

NOW at 18 years old, I want to become a chef!

So let her help, it gets her interested in her food. It's also a bonding time...Who knows she might be a chef when she grows up!