We didn't even HAVE March Break when I was in school, which I could only get to by hiking 12 miles through bear-infested brush

 
When your kids starts whining that EVERYBODY is going to Florida/Cuba/Bermuda for March Break, you can cooly shoot back with this little info-bite. Just 13 per cent of Canadian families will take off for March Break, according to a survey Angus Reid did for Samsung Home Appliances. The kids may still whine, but it will probably work better than that old chestnut, “and if all your friends were jumping of a bridge, would you want to do that too?”

The survey also shows that cooking or baking is one of the top three at-home activities for kids and parents, along with renting movies and visiting family or friends (although I think we used to call that playing) Naturally enough, Samsung thinks that  induction technology has lots of benefits when cooking with kids. I would have to agree, as induction ranges keep the kitchen cooler, only transfer heat to the pan that’s touching its surface and are easy to clean. For a fuller explanation, visit the Samsung site.

Here are some other tips for keeping your budding chefs safe:

Wash hands:  Make it a rule. Use soap and warm water and wash for 15 seconds (or as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday to You through twice – see post below).  Remind the little rascals to clean between their dirty ittle fingers!

Teach kids early about cross-contamination: Keep raw foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat items and fresh produce. Always use a clean cutting board or plate when chopping up different foods and never sample meat before it’s cooked through. I'd add that you get - and teach kids to use - a meat thermometer.

Be careful with sharp utensils:  Okay – no duh!

I’d also suggest that cooking is also a great way to teach kids about creativity, and a good place to learn that perfection ain't always what it's cracked up to be. The cake that droops in the middle could still taste great. So celebrate it, and the fact that your child made something with his/her hands.