I am sure you have seen numerous times the infamous Montessori Inspired Hack on Transforming a play Kitchen to a Functional one. Whether it be on Pinterest, YouTube or when scrolling aimlessly through social media. Let’s just say it influenced me to flip this Facebook Market Find KidKraft Toddler Play Kitchen into a Functional one.
You may be asking is it worth it? What’s the point? Well, Yes, I think it is, at least for my family. I am all about providing early opportunities that invite my children to learn practical skills that will eventually blossom into building their confidence, encouraging independence and enhancing their fine and gross motor skills, along with a few other benefits which make it worth it to me. To Top it off they are having fun, while learning and that’s always a win.
The next question, Is it Hard? Not really, but depending on how DIY savvy you are then it can be more work than less. Understand this hack may or may not work with every play kitchen. So if your looking for the easy route, I suggest using the most recommended IKEA DUKTIG play Kitchen . But, if your like me you will flip anything and that’s what I did. I first painted, then when assembling I left a few parts out to make this play kitchen work.
Afterwards, it was time to hack. Here’s the Easiest Way to transform a play kitchen to a Functional one with a few simple steps.
What You Need:
- Wooden Chopping Board
- Electric Water Pump
- Tiny Cup (optional but this allows your kid to use faucet to dispense water to drink)
- Small Bowl
- Beginner Chopping Tools
- Small Basket
- Toddler Fork and Spoon Set
- Veggie Cleaning Brush
- Small Pitcher
- Small Water-resistant rug or Floor mat
How To Transform a Play Kitchen To Functional One
Step 1: Install a Water Pump in place of The play Faucet that’s included with the kitchen set. Utilize the existing screw hole to put water tube through. In the space underneath the sink place Two containers, one for the clean water in which the tube will be placed inside. Then another for the dirty water that will be drained through the sink holes. Which you will have to drill.
Step 2: In place of the included Play Stove cooktop, Secure a wooden chopping block. I utilized double sided gorilla tape to keep it in place.
Step 3: Now its time to stock your kitchen with essential tools your toddler can utilize to help prep and/or prepare their snack. For Nova I included a Snack Keeper which I pre-prep for her, along with her Sippy cup filled with water and sometimes a piece of fruit. These are readily available to her throughout the day if she gets hungry. I also included a Veggie Cleaning Brush, Wooden chopper, Small Pitcher, Tongs and smaller cutting board for her to utilize when appropriate (i.e chopping banana, cleaning fruit, cleaning utensils.). This step honestly can go more in-depth depending on the age of your child. Since Nova is only 18 months I am gradually introducing her to more and more as she masters other skills first. Too much at once can overwhelm your child, and defeat the purpose of the concept of the functional kitchen. Which is to build their confidence not create intimidation.
Step 4: Before inviting your child to explore, protect the area with a floor covering such as a water resistant mat or rug. Place the Functional Kitchen in a area where it can be supervised or overlooked by an adult. Trust me you will thank me later for this tip.
As you can see I didn’t add the Floor Mat in this photo and now you see why I suggested it.
Step 5: Secure the cabinet where the water is with a magnetic child lock. This will prevent any big spills, and sudden curiosity into plumbing. Trust me, depending on the age of your child or who they are it will happen. So save yourself the headache. It also prevents you from having to say “No” to an area that is suppose to be more inviting with a “Yes”.
Whether you choose to add all the above tools or not understand no Functional Kitchen is alike. Create yours in the manner that works best for your child and home. Maybe this doesn’t work for you at all. You can still invite them to the kitchen to help you prep their snacks or even give them some of these tools to utilize at their high chair tray. Remember there is no right or wrong way when you have your child’s best interest at heart.
