Are you looking for something fun to do with the kids this afternoon$%: Bake a batch of warm, gooey cookies. Not only is it a lot of fun to make these sweet treats together, eating them afterwards is just as much fun.
Use this time to talk and reconnect with your kids. Stirring a batch of chocolate chip dough is a great time to talk about what's going on at school, how their friends are doing etc. You'll be surprised how much you can learn about your kids life in this relaxed, laid back atmosphere, which brings up a good point...
Keep it fun and relaxed. So what if there's flour all over the counter and floor. It won't take you more than a few minutes to sweep up the mess after you are done baking. This is a fun family activity, not a lesson in proper baking. Have fun together and don't worry about the mess. In fact, a little flour fight may be in order.
Give your child a job or two in making the cookies. This could be measuring ingredients, helping you count how many eggs you added to the batter, and of course lots of stirring help. Use an extra large bowl when you are baking with younger kids. This will allow them to stir the batter without half the dough slinging out.
Cutout sugar cookies are a lot of fun for toddlers and preschoolers. You can pick up an assortment of all kinds of cookie cutter shapes at your local discount or craft store. Have them pick a few of their favorite shapes, then put them to work cutting out cookies from dough you rolled out.
Of course these cookies will need decorating. Mix milk and powdered sugar to make a sweet, sticky paste. Give your child a pastry brush to brush this glue on the baked and cooled cookies, then let them decorate with sprinkles or small candies.
Last but by no means least, pour each of you a tall glass of milk and enjoy your freshly baked cookies together.