If you have little ones, you must get a lettuce knife. Just what is a lettuce knife? We’ll talk about that below. For now let’s discuss why preparing a salad is a great idea for children. Making a tossed salad is usually one of the first things my children learn to make for meal time. It is perfect for young minds and small hands since all a salad consists of are some type of leafy greens and other ingredients that require little to no prep work (such as nuts, apple slices, cranberries, Chinese noodles, etc). Children can easily be taught to rinse and dry the salad, cut it up, and tossing it. Then have them add the appropriate bottle of salad dressing and you have one less thing for you to have to do during the dinner time rush.

Now back to that lettuce knife I mentioned. I have always been hesitant to give my children any sharp objects. Dory is especially accident prone so it just would not be wise. When my family and I were over at a friends’ home last year we noticed that the daughters of that family were using these plastic thingamajigs to cut up their salad leaves. I inquired as to what they were. Quite simply, these tools are a must in any kitchen. They are serrated, nylon plastic cutting tools. They are just right for salad because, due to their serrated edges, the leaves will not turn brown prematurely. And because they are not metal your young ones will be able to safely prepare that tossed salad for dinner.

(I am sure that your child could somehow get cuts from this if they were not careful. I suggest supervising the first few tries until you feel comfortable with your child handling it.)

I paid under $3 for one at the kitchen store in our local mall, but I will probably invest in nicer ones very soon. I suggest getting one for each child. I only bought one and I will be going back to get a few more so that Dory, Sally, and Mater Boy can all work together at the same time.

Check out the Zyliss Lettuce Knife to see what I am talking about. What other necessary kitchen tools do you recommend that are appropriate for little hands?

Today my children and I are attempting to make some Valentine’s crafts to make the house more festive. I am limited in time and ability to do as much as I would like but it was fabulous to at least do something with these little ones. We basically are combining this heart garland with these heart photo garlands. We’ll string it up on the wall and ceiling by our dining room table.

I have also gathered a few more links that I want to keep possibly to do for next year. I thought you would like to see them as well – how is it that some people are so creative? I am. just. so. not. creative. – Be sure to leave a comment with your Valentine’s Craft link and I will add it to this list!

Enjoy!

• Heart-shaped crayons – How neat is this? I have often seen people using up their bits and pieces of crayons and this is such a frugal and smart way to not throw away what is broken.
• Key chain and light catchers – these are simple and easy enough for a family with young children.
• Origami bouquet – This is awesome! While it may be a bit complicated for our young ones to attempt, why not try one of these for our husbands? (And I love video tutorials. So helpful!)
• Heart-shaped biscuits for our feathered friends – Make these with your kids and then watch the beautiful birds that come to feast on this winter treat. (As you watch the birds, this would be the perfect time to discuss what they have been learning in school about nature!)
• Valentine’s Cupcakes – These look absolutely delicious. I rarely make cupcakes but I just may try this for my own brood to make the day that much more special

Photo credits: strakplan