Play Kitchens: Ratatouille Style!

If you have children than you most likely have seen the movie Ratatouille. It's a beautiful film that tells the story of a rat that has an uncanny ability to cook amazing feasts. Remy, the rat, is inspired by a book called, Anyone Can Cook! and goes on to become the head chef of the restaurant, Ratatouille.

After the debut of this movie, I often found both my son and daughter in the kitchen whipping up their own concoctions of their finest recipes. I never discouraged it, even though some of my more expensive spices would be missing when I went to use them, because I loved that they were engaging in imaginary play. It was fun and exciting for them, and that's when it donned on me how much they would benefit from a toy kitchen.

In today's society where we are bombarded with computers, video games, and all-day cartoon marathon sessions, we forget about the power of pretend play. Play Kitchens are a wonderful asset to help foster the imagination of young developing minds and allows kids to have fun in a creative atmosphere. Children love to emulate real life and play kitchens gives them the ability to cook up a meal like mom or dad, serve tea and cookies to their friends or pretend to be the next Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay or even the next Remy.

"Ratatouille" is really a story about imagination and belief. Remy truly believed "Anyone Can Cook" and went on to full fill his dreams. We, as a society, need to instill those same principles into our children. They truly can become anything they choose to become, and I believe it starts with a childhood packed with imaginary play. Play kitchens is just one type of toy that I believe helps to foster these beliefs and relieves the dependence of the "boob tube".

After purchasing a toy kitchen for my daughter it has been such a joy to watch both of my kids pretend to be little chefs. In fact, my daughter chose to be a "cookie chef" (those are her words) for Halloween this past year. Imaginary play is so vital to the development and inspiration of young minds and play kitchens is a top pick in my book to enhance just that.