No, this is not the opening pitch of a horror movie. Although, honestly, it sometimes feels like it. Sticky messes, runny noses, hot surfaces, flour everywhere… it definitely has the makings of a terrifying few hours.

However, despite the potential for disaster, I’m going to tell you to take your little TKer into the kitchen and bake. Let’s live a little crazy together.

Baking together has so many benefits. Your student is learning math, including counting, fractions, sequencing, and sorting. They are picking up language arts skills—learning new vocabulary, following simple instructions, and asking questions. They are making predictions, observations, and noticing chemical reactions—all essential science skills. And we all learn a little bit of patience, self-regulation, and cooperation in the process—all valuable social-emotional skills.

Baking is also one of the easiest traditions to start and sustain. It doesn’t require special tools, locations, or supplies. You don’t have to store materials or be in a specific location. You can even do it over Zoom!

Real talk—yes, it is so much easier to make those cookies yourself. It gets done faster. There is a much lower likelihood of having extra eggshells in the finished product. You probably have the process streamlined to get that perfect golden brown, chewy finish. I’m not saying give away all the cookie secrets; I still refuse to let anyone else make my favorite chocolate chip cookies. But it is something that gets easier every time and a tradition that can grow with you and your students. It is something my teenagers still want to do with me and with each other. And it can carry on for years or even generations!

If you’re overwhelmed at the idea of letting your little human get their hands dirty, here are some easy recipes to start with:

3 Ingredient Cake-Mix Cookies

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Drops

Easy Thumbprint Cookies

Don’t forget to treat yourself to a cookie afterwards for a job well done. Baking is one of those rare activities that brings every age together. Whether your student is measuring ingredients for the first time or mastering their favorite recipe, these moments create meaningful traditions that last far beyond the kitchen.