Mashing Avocado by Jeanne Marie Paynel from voilamontessori.com

Help Your Child Mash, Watch Them Grow!

The finished product might be a healthy snack of mashed avocado on toast, or maybe a savory spread for some celery sticks and crackers. Perhaps it will be a bowl of guacamole the whole family can share.

No matter the outcome, your child can feel a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing they have contributed to the family snack by taking part in the important act of mashing the avocados themselves!

Rather than sending a child out of the kitchen when it’s time to cook, inviting them to participate in the process sends a message of trust in their abilities and allows them to feel they are a valued part of the family. As an added bonus, children involved in food preparation are less likely to be picky eaters; they’ll want to taste their own culinary masterpieces.

Dr. Maria Montessori understood a child’s inner needs by the phrase, ‘Help me to do it alone.’ Here are a few ways you can set the child up for success as they embark on the challenge of mashing an avocado for the first time:

Slow movements: It’s important to slowly model how to mash an avocado before the child starts on their own, then step back and provide support only as needed or when requested.

Real materials: Use child-sized kitchen implements that are easy for their small hands to manipulate.

Order: Organize the activity for them on a tray, which creates a defined workspace and makes it easier for them to focus.

Learning new skills such as this one instills a sense of confidence within the child that carries on in their development. They will also feel joy sharing the fruit of their hard work!

Do you have questions about how to integrate this practice and others into your parenting? I am here to help with my Montessori Parenting Program, contact me today by using the “Looking for more?” tab below to find out more.

Guacamole represents something greater when your child is involved with its’ preparation. Did you know that this enjoyable kitchen task can help your child flourish into a confident and engaged young member of the family?

For more tips on how to introduce Montessori activities, read The Nine Key Points to Sharing a New Activity with Your Child.

P.S. Would you like my support and guidance setting-up your Montessori home? If, yes then go ahead and schedule a ‘Discovery Session’ with me. It’s free and you’ll know if we are a good fit. 😉