Drew’s 8 Simple Hacks to Make Your Kitchen More Kid-Friendly
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Drew and Linda are parents to two little toddlers, Parker and Piper. So having the right organization tools is essential for them to manage their busy family life—especially in the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, which also means it’s where things can get the most chaotic. If you have a little sous chef running around, too, then you need some kid-friendly kitchen hacks to make sure the space works for them and their tiny hands. That’s why Drew is here with his best tips for keeping your cooking area a safe and fun place for every member of the family.
The kitchen shouldn’t feel dangerous or off-limits to your tots—everyone should feel comfortable cooking, cleaning, and connecting with one another. And as parents, this means you want to make sure you’re taking precautions for your kiddos where you can! Drew is taking us through the simple additions he and Linda have made in their kitchen to make it an organized zone that everyone can enjoy. Watch the full video above to find out exactly what he swears by in their cooking space, and get more ideas below, too.
1. Use Double-Duty Furniture
It’s easy for the amount of kids’ stuff to accumulate—before you know it, it can feel like there’s no room for anything else! That’s why double-duty kids furniture is so great. Drew has a fun piece that Parker and Piper love that can transform from a step stool into a toddlers’ table in seconds, snapping into place with locks to ensure safety. It’s simple, smart solutions like these that help a ton on organization and space-saving.
2. Incorporate Playful and Educational Pieces
Playful and educational touches—like letter and number magnets on the fridge or setting up an easel where the kids can practice writing—can help foster an environment where tots feel welcome hanging out alongside you in the kitchen. After all, it’s the heart of the home, and it’s a place for them, too!
3. Consider an Induction Range
Induction ranges offer an added layer of safety since they don’t get hot to the touch like gas ranges do. And for those tiny hands you love, that means one less thing to worry about when they’re helping you in the kitchen.
4. Add Safety Features Like Straps & Locks
One thing about kids and toddlers? They sure are curious! Adding simple safety straps to the oven and cabinets, and any other places that you don’t want your little ones rummaging through, can help keep them safe from accidents and prevent any let’s-empty-the-entire-drawer-of-cooking-utensils parties.
5. Avoid Mess With Hands-Free Hacks
Going hands-free in a messy zone can really help cut back on the ick and stick that can come from cooking (especially with kids!). In Drew’s home, they installed a little mechanism that will open up the cabinet garbage just by pushing in on the door. Nothing fancy here—just a little arm installed behind the cabinet door and voilà, you have yourself a hands-free setup!
6. Put Family Schedules on Display
It’s easier to keep track of your busy schedules when they’re all up on the wall for quick reference! In Drew’s house, they use a large digital calendar that has everything they and their team needs to get through the day, from schedule changes to pickup times, meals, travel dates, and even when the little ones need to brush their teeth.
7. Make the Pantry Work for Everyone
…Yes, including the kiddos! When they’re helping you cook, clean, or put away groceries, they need to get into these zones, too. So simple additions, like pull-out drawers in the pantry or a step stool under the sink, can give them the confidence to move around these spaces and help out.
8. Label Drawers & Containers
In the pantry, a label-maker is pretty much a must. (Jonathan and Zooey use one in their kitchen pantry too!) This way, it’s easier for everyone in the house to know exactly where ingredients, snacks, and canned goods live, and grab them quickly without having to rip apart the whole cabinet.
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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