SC - children in the kitchen

[Olwen the Odd]

Well, I don't have kids, but if they want to help, they're sure welcome
in my kitchen (age-appropriate tasks, of course).  I started learning
how to cook and sew when I was six, and they've both been life-long
passions.  There's all kinds of stuff kids can do to feel a part of
things.
- --Maire

Rhonda & Chuck Leggett wrote:
> 
> Greetings,
>         I have been following the posts regarding kids helping in the
> kitchen at events. I have 4 daughters ages 18mos, to 9 yrs. The older three
> are always eager to find a way to help at events. They regularly do
> water-bearing ( the 9 yr old did3 consecutive hours last Gulf Wars)
> and serve beverages at events. The system they use is for the 5 year old to
> ask if anyone would like a beverage then guide the older kids with the
> pitchers to the tables where needed. The younger one also serves seconds on
> breads and such. They also manage to find things to do in the kitchen. The
> older ones (7 & 9) stir pots, mix lemonade, run errands around the site, and
> prepare trays of bread, cheese, and butter for serving. The younger (5)
> empties garbage bags and fetches ingredients from the ice chest, organizes
> serving platters, etc. The girls also help with kitchen clean up by checking
> the tables for remaining trays and platters after the feast and drying the
> dishes.  These girls have done these chores of their own free will. It was
> actually their idea to begin helping. They started helping me with kitchen
> clean up when the oldest was 6. They now work in the kitchen whether or not
> I am there and even work at events outside our Barony.
>        There really isn't much for kids under 18 to do  in the SCA other
> than children's activities at events and my girls quickly become bored with
> that. They have learned several A&S projects and enter every competition
> they attend.They took the time to find for themselves things to keep busy
> and be able to participate in the game. They have also found other ways to
> help. My oldest is a page and my 5 and 7 yaer olds are ladies-in-waiting to
> Baronesses. I think if everyone would take only a moment of time to think
> there can be many things found to help children learn to be productive
> members of theSCA. The early lessons last the longest.
> 
> Lady Tabitha Baker
> 
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