Cross Creek Ranch - Kitchens, The Heart of the Home

April 13, 2020

Modern kitchens have always served as more than a place to cook but at a time when parents and kids must remain in the shelter of their homes, the heart of the home has taken on even greater significance.

Today’s kitchens are designed to serve many purposes. Large islands provide extra workspace for kneading bread dough and decorating cookies as well as pop-up offices and homework centers.

Kitchens are the central hub for open floor plans that include family rooms and informal dining areas. These spaces allow families to be together without being on top of each other. Children can do schoolwork at the island while parents work at the kitchen table. Older children can help younger siblings with puzzles while parents get dinner ready.

Here are some tips for optimizing the heart of your home.

Kid-Friendly, Mother-Approved

Cooking and baking are great activities for parents and children, so make sure everyone can help. Clear out a kitchen drawer just for the kids. You don’t need to include child-sized cooking implements, just make sure what’s in there is safe for little hands. Add a step stool so young eyes can see over the counter. If you have a built-in planning station, turn it into a kid’s cooking station where they can mix, stir, decorate and chop. If not, the kitchen island works too. Check here for some great recipes to try.

Education Station

Despite the ubiquity of studies and homework centers in new homes, kids and parents still gravitate to the kitchen. Turn yours into an education station. Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot can deliver chalkboard paint to your home. Use it to paint cupboards or the pantry door. Now the kids have a place to do math problems and art projects. Once the school day is done, write an inspiring quote on it. For younger kids, tape butcher’s paper on the floor. Make sure school supplies are in baskets on the island so no one has to hunt for a pencil.

Speaking of Baskets

Have a few little trays or buckets ready to grab with easy activities available to keep kids busy. Try a basket with cookie cutters and a jar of play dough, an art tray or a dishpan filled with water toys or baby dolls for washing. Filled baskets can help as you work through these great activities.

Create a Command Center

The pandemic won’t last forever, so keep the family motivated by planning future activities. Put up a bulletin board where you can affix maps, brochures and a wish list of places you want to visit. Set up a computer and virtually visit places you want to go.

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