043 Baking with Kids Made Easy: Create Memories, Not Stress

Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

Ever thought about baking with your toddler but stopped yourself because of the mess, the chaos, or the fear it’ll all go wrong? You’re not alone. Many parents love the idea of baking with their kids but find the reality overwhelming.

Flour on the floor, sticky fingers everywhere, and a kitchen that looks like a tornado hit... sound familiar?

Baking with children isn’t just about producing perfect cupcakes. It’s about connection, learning, and making memories that last far longer than the cookies.

In this week’s episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I sit down with fellow Kiwi mum and baking expert Heather Kalisch, founder of Bake With Me NZ, to talk about how baking with kids can be fun, meaningful, and actually manageable.

Heather shares her top five tips for baking with children. It's all practical advice that helps you swap the stress for smiles. Together, we explore how to make the kitchen a place of learning, laughter, and family connection, without worrying about Pinterest-perfect results.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why preparation matters – and how a little setup makes baking with toddlers easier and calmer.
• How to turn food safety into fun – think superhero handwashing and aprons instead of nagging.
• The magic of progress over perfection – why the lopsided cupcake is more valuable than the picture-perfect one.
• Cleaning up as part of the process – how to make tidying a team activity (and actually enjoyable).
• The power of memories – how slowing down in the kitchen creates connection your child will treasure for years.

Along the way, we also talk about how baking builds real-life skills like maths, literacy, problem-solving, and science. Every time your child stirs, measures, or pours, they’re learning through play. And the best part? They’re doing it alongside you.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “How do I bake with my toddler without losing my mind?”
• “Is it even safe to let my kids help in the kitchen?”
• “What if the mess just makes it harder?”

…this episode is for you. Heather and I want to reassure you that baking with children doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be intentional. With a few simple shifts, it can become one of the most rewarding ways to connect with your child.

You can find Heather on Instagram @BakeWithMe.co.nz and online at www.BakeWithMe.co.nz

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If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

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I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.
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