What do you do with 1yo while cooking?

[sunnyfields25]

Hi there

Another week, another dilemma that I'm hoping you kind folks can help me with. This seems like such a silly one to not be able to figure out on my own, but I'm stumped.

Until recently DS would sit in the living room and play with toys while I quickly got our lunch ready. But now he comes into the kitchen, whines and clings to my legs. This then turns a 5 min job into a 30 min one.

Our kitchen is small and it's getting increasingly dangerous. Today I was so distracted trying not to drop a knife or boiling water on him that I laid something down on the hob surface, then switched the wrong ring on and only realised when I noticed the steam and melting smell.

Do other people's one year olds entertain themselves for a few mins or is this a common thing?

No probs @sunnyfields25, i have been there and its awful! The dens don't need to be elabroate or permanent, a big box on its side or a blanket over two chairs with some cushions under work and can easily be put away.....although i recommend putting them away when the children aren't looking or it can start a whole new tantrum!!

DS used to be in a jumperoo, then when he wanted out of that he’d empty the cupboards that doesn’t have locks on (still does sometimes) then for his 1st birthday we bought him a toy kitchen, which he adores, toy veg he can ‘cut’, pots and pans to bang around and there is always a selection of toys on the floor. I made the mistake one of letting him stand on a chair to help me wash up and now he keeps trying to drag a chair in! I try to let him help put things in pans, pour rice into cups etc. But you’ve all got me seriously thinking about a pod thing, it would be way safer that a chair...

Highchair, toys and dare I say it.... CBeebies!