Making and decorating a batch of Gingerbread can be a challenge with Children but its definitely achievable without any tantrums, tears, mess (okay maybe a little), or bodily harm lol. Below are a few good tips on surviving this fun activity…its all in the preparation ;).
Little Miss M has an attention span of a goldfish so this is what I did to make this project achievable for us ;).
- I made the Dough the night before baking and refrigerated it. Miss M helped by tipping the already measured ingredients into the bowl.
- I reserved a small amount of Dough for Miss M to shape & cut with the cookie cutters – the rest I rolled out and baked while she was at Kindy. I also prepared the table with all the Icing bags, Lollies & Gingerbread Men easily assessable. I also had a roll of paper towel and a wet sponge handy…and most importantly the camera charged and ready to go.
- Miss M came home and cut out her Dough and I placed them in the oven to cook while we decorated the already prepared cookies (this way there was no waiting for them to cool etc).
- This is the hard part for me – letting go of my inner perfectionist and giving Miss M creative freedom with her decorating. Resisting the urge to jump-in and say “That’s too much icing” was very difficult but she clearly loved making ‘her’ creations!
Miss M was so excited to show her Daddy when he got home and even more excited to share one with him.
Our next mission is a Gingerbread House…wish us luck!!!
