I’ve added a helper stool to the kitchen. Cooking used to be one of my few alone times, but the boys have gotten more interested in helping. I finally gave in and gave this stool I had stashed in the garage a little makeover.
Despite taking away mommy’s alone time, the stool has been somewhat of a blessing. We have continued to struggle with some behavior issues for our oldest. It was a huge catalyst in me leaving my day job and we saw amazing improvement right away. Unfortunately, that improvement seems to have worn off and he has slipped back a little after a few extended school breaks.
We know one thing he loves is some serious 1:1 time. He also loves to learn new things. When he gets lots of 1:1 time and is learning new things he is at his best. In an effort to give him both of those things during our before and after school time, I am trying to let him spend more time helping in the kitchen.
In the past, on occasion, I let him pull up one of the counter stools to help stir something. It was less than ideal and less than safe. I found letting him help more stressful than enjoyable. For his benefit and mine, I knew a better helper stool was necessary.
A while back I picked up a Bekvam stool at the thrift store for $7.99. I think it might be the most I have ever spent on a thrift store item, but it was about half off retail, in perfect condition, and already assembled. The only downside was the beech color…the last thing I need in my kitchen is another wood tone!
Teal spray paint to the rescue! Two light coats of Rustoleum Lagoon spray paint took this stool from beech-blah to teal beauty! It is the same color I used on the wire fruit bowl.
To make the stool wood floor friendly, I added a few plastic feet. I simply drilled pilot holes and tapped them in. The stool can glide across the wood floor without making a scratch.
Introducing the stool gave me an opportunity to talk to my son about kitchen safety. We have had issues with him before trying to climb the counter stools to reach things on the counters or upper cabinets. The new helper stool has very strict rules. It can only be used to help mommy or daddy when we ask for help. Only the first step is for feet. The top step is for sitting or kneeling with one knee. For any other uses (and my boys come up with lots of ideas) they must ask mommy or daddy for permission first.
The new helper stool has found its way around the kitchen. When not in use it is parked out of the main traffic areas, in front of the double ovens. When I am cooking something that my son can help with the stool makes its rounds. He can use it at the island to help me prep ingredients or stir pancake batter. He moves it over to the stove to help stir and flip. It also often makes its way to the kitchen sink for clean up. The handle in the top is the best, because he can easily pick it up and move it around himself.
Funny! I am planning on doing the same thing to my Bekvam stool, too! We actually have 3 Bekvams living at our house… but I’m going to paint the one in my new basement bathroom so the kiddos can wash their hands.
We are a stool family. There are two stools in the kitchen, one for each girl (ages 3 and 6). One is the Ikea Stool (though not as lovely as yours, think paint splattered) and the other is a folding one. We (loosely) follow a Montessori philosophy and I want to provide the kids the tools to do things themselves. They also like to help in the kitchen, and sometimes it is more work but I figure eventually they won’t need as much supervision and they really will be helping!
Love the bright teal on the stool! It looks so expensive now! Definitely more than 7.99 + paint.
Sarah
So cute! Before my kids could walk they insisted on being part of the action in the kitchen so we got a learning towers at a garage sale. It is super bulky,and expensive even used but has been great. It gets used every day and both of them can fit in it. Once they get older and have a better sense of balance I might have to get something like you have. Did you put any special finish on it? Ours gets a ton of use and I would be interested to hear how your paint job holds up.
I think I will bring ours out of the bathroom and down to the kitchen, since our kids can reach the sink now. Thanks for all the great ideas, I found you on pinterest and I am know following you blog.
Hi guys, Im curious. I would be buying mine brand new, do i need to sand the stool down? Once painted, is it tacky? Does the paint chip off over time? Does the paint come off if scuffed on the walls. I would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks so much.