How relaxation, adaptive tools, and simple 3-step recipes can turn kitchen hazards into lifelong confidence for your child this summer.

Hi everyone,

Summer always has a way of shifting our perspective, doesn't it? The routines that carry us through the school year loosen up just a bit, opening up quiet spaces in our weeks. It’s during these long, unhurried summer afternoons that we have a wonderful opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath, and try new things with our children—things that often feel too rushed during the busy school year.

One area that so many of us hesitate to explore is the kitchen. Between sharp knives, hot burners, and sensory sensory overloads, it's completely natural to see the kitchen as a place of potential hazards rather than opportunity. But what if those kitchen counters could become a launchpad for your child’s independence and self-confidence?

Recently, at the Disability & the Church conference, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ivy Prince, the founder of an incredible organization called Cooking Capable. Ivy grew up alongside three siblings with diverse needs, and her personal experience inspired her to create hands-on culinary programs for individuals with disabilities aged 3 to 73.

Ivy shared something that really stayed with me: when we avoid the kitchen out of fear while our kids are young, navigating it actually becomes more dangerous as they grow older. But when we harness the relaxed spirit of summer to introduce adaptive safety tools and simple recipe frameworks, our children gain life skills that stay with them forever.

I’d love to hear from our community! What fun or creative things have you tried in the kitchen with your family this summer that others might enjoy? Have you discovered any adaptive utensils or hacks that made cooking smoother and safer for your child?

If you'd like to explore the specific tools Ivy recommends—including cut-resistant gloves, slap chops, and safety guards that make dicing and baking safe for all ability levels—you can find direct links on our episode webpage and in the YouTube video description.

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Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2026/07/15/adaptive-cooking-tools/​

Additionally, as funding shifts for grassroots initiatives like Ivy's, her organization relies heavily on community backing to keep these vital life-skills programs accessible. If you feel led to support her work, host a workshop, or connect with her team, you can reach Ivy directly at cooking.capable@gmail.com or visit her site at https://sites.google.com/view/cookingcapable/.

Let's use these summer weeks to give our kids the space to try, experiment, and realize just how capable they truly are.

Warmly,

Tonya