Adjustable STEPS2 LEARNING™ Toddler Towers

Meal preparation can be a demanding task, especially for parents of toddlers who struggle to juggle their child's needs while trying to cook. However, using a toddler Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower in the kitchen can provide numerous benefits. In this article, we will explore the advantages of using a Tower during meal preparation, the importance of including toddlers in family meals and food preparation, and how it promotes toddler well-being and development. Additionally, we will discuss the versatility of a Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower in promoting independence and self-reliance in other areas, such as bathroom routines.

A toddler Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower offers several advantages in the kitchen setting:

a) Safety and Accessibility:

The Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower provides a secure platform for toddlers to stand at counter height, allowing them to observe and engage in meal preparation activities. It eliminates the need to balance a child on your hip or worry about them reaching dangerous objects.

b) Inclusion and Bonding:

By having toddlers participate in meal preparation, you create a sense of inclusion and strengthen family bonds. When children are involved in the cooking process, they feel like valued contributors to the family's mealtime. This inclusion fosters a positive relationship with food and family traditions.

Research shows that shared mealtime experiences have a significant impact on family dynamics and emotional well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, involving children in meal preparation was associated with greater family cohesion and improved communication within the family unit (Ventura et al., 2011). By working together in the kitchen, toddlers have the opportunity to bond with their parents or caregivers, creating lasting memories and nurturing a sense of togetherness.

c) Skill Development:

The Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower promotes the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities as toddlers assist with various tasks in the kitchen. Here's how:

1. Fine Motor Skills: Activities such as measuring ingredients, pouring liquids, and stirring require precise hand movements. By engaging in these tasks, toddlers refine their fine motor skills, which are essential for activities like holding utensils, writing, and self-care tasks.
2. Hand-Eye Coordination: When toddlers handle kitchen tools, pour liquids, or cut soft ingredients (under close supervision), they enhance their hand-eye coordination. This skill is crucial for tasks that involve precise movements, such as threading, catching a ball, or tying shoelaces.
3. Cognitive Development: The kitchen provides a stimulating environment for cognitive development. As toddlers assist with meal preparation, they engage in problem-solving, memory recall (e.g., following a recipe), and decision-making. They also learn cause and effect relationships (e.g., observing ingredients change as they cook) and develop their understanding of math concepts, such as measuring and counting.

Engaging in sensory exploration during meal preparation further enhances cognitive development. Toddlers touch, smell, and observe different textures, colors, and smells of ingredients, stimulating their senses and supporting their cognitive growth.

d) Exposure to Healthy Foods:

Involving toddlers in meal preparation exposes them to a wide variety of healthy foods, encouraging curiosity and expanding their palate. Here's why this exposure is beneficial:

1. Curiosity and Exploration: When toddlers actively participate in meal preparation, they become curious about ingredients and the cooking process. They may ask questions, taste different components, and develop a sense of wonder about food. This curiosity promotes a positive attitude toward exploring new flavors and textures.
2. Expanding Palate: Through exposure to a diverse range of foods during meal preparation, toddlers are more likely to develop an adventurous palate. Research published in the journal Appetite found that involving children in food preparation increased their acceptance of new and previously disliked foods (Van der Horst et al., 2014). By trying different ingredients and being part of the cooking process, toddlers are more inclined to embrace a variety of healthy foods.

Moreover, early exposure to healthy foods plays a crucial role in establishing lifelong eating habits. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, involving children in meal preparation can positively impact their dietary choices and increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables (AAP, 2018). By actively engaging toddlers in the kitchen, parents can lay the foundation for a nutritious and balanced diet.

References:

• Ventura AK, et al. (2011). Involvement in Meal Preparation at Home Is Associated with Better Diet Quality among Canadian Children. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 43(4), 278-283.
• Van der Horst K, et al. (2014). Healthy Diet: How Perceptions

Including toddlers in family meals and food preparation has numerous benefits beyond the kitchen:

a) Social and Emotional Development: Engaging in meal preparation together provides an opportunity for bonding and shared experiences. It fosters a sense of belonging, builds trust, and enhances communication and cooperation skills.

b) Life Skills and Independence: Involving toddlers in food preparation helps them develop essential life skills, such as following instructions, problem-solving, and time management. It also promotes independence, self-reliance, and a sense of accomplishment.

c) Healthy Eating Habits: By participating in meal preparation, toddlers gain a deeper understanding of food sources, ingredients, and the importance of balanced nutrition. They are more likely to make healthier food choices and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

The versatility of a Montessori Tower extends beyond meal preparation. It can also be utilized in the bathroom to encourage independence and self-hygiene practices.

a) Bathroom Independence: Placing the Tower in the bathroom allows toddlers to reach the sink, wash their hands, brush their teeth, or perform other self-care tasks independently. This promotes autonomy, hygiene practices, and establishes a routine of self-care from an early age.

b) Developing Responsibility: By involving toddlers in bathroom routines, they learn the importance of personal hygiene and take ownership of their self-care. This builds confidence and reinforces positive habits that will benefit them as they grow.

c) Skill Development: Using the Tower in the bathroom enables toddlers to practice fine motor skills, coordination, and self-help abilities. They can develop skills like toothbrushing, handwashing, and hair brushing, fostering their overall motor and cognitive development.

Embrace the opportunities that a toddler Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower can bring to your family. Enjoy the bonding moments, watch your child's skills blossom, and foster a positive attitude toward food and self-care. Make meal preparation and self-hygiene routines an interactive and enjoyable experience for both you and your toddler.

Remember to prioritize safety at all times and closely supervise your child's activities in the kitchen or bathroom. With proper guidance and support, the Steps2 Learning™ Toddler Tower can become a valuable tool for your toddler's development and well-being.