Baking Ideas for Kids with Special Needs

During these chilly Minnesota winters, we often find ourselves in the house more often. Anyone who’s caring for kids knows you need plenty of indoor activities to choose from at times like these. And you’re in luck, thanks to today’s blog!

Baking is the perfect wintertime activity—and it can offer many benefits to children with disabilities, as well. Here’s some of the advantages of baking with kids who are living with disabilities, and some easy baking ideas to get started.

What benefits can baking provide kids with disabilities?

Not only is baking fun and delicious, but it also provides children with plenty of great benefits that can help them to grow and develop in a variety of ways.

Here are just a few of the benefits that baking offers:

• Helps children to understand basic math 
• Helps to improve memory skills by learning the recipe steps
• Encourages social bonds and behavior through a group activity
• Improves motor skills and dexterity
• Encourages cognitive abilities, such as decision-making, planning, and following step-by-step instructions
• Exposes them to more varieties of food, without pressure to eat them, which can be helpful for children who are sensitive to particular foods
• Encourages children to see food prep as a fun activity, rather than a stressful one

Baking ideas for kids

When starting out, keep the recipes simple so that your children can really enjoy the process, without getting overwhelmed with technicalities.

For example, baking cookies with children is a great introductory activity. Plus, who doesn’t love a chewy chocolate chip cookie, or a crunchy oat and raisin treat?

The beauty of baking cookies is that you can choose any fillings or toppings you like to meet the preferences of your child. That makes it easy to mix up the recipe to match any foods that might be difficult for your child.

Other than that, some other easy baking ideas for kids might include: 

• Rice Krispie treats
• Check Mix
• Pancakes
• Snickerdoodles
• Boxed cakes
• Boxed brownies
• Sugar cookies

Even if you kid(s) aren’t that into baking, you could make a batch of the treats ahead of time and then have fun decorating them with the little ones. This can also be helpful for any children who might be sensitive to loud noises or differing textures that come along with baking.

Stay Connected to Best Care

If you’re looking for any more tips or advice related to home care for children, then don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Best Care on info@bestcaremn.com, or call us at (651) 330-2550.