Getting kids involved and engaged in the kitchen can help them learn and practice many basic skills such as, math concepts and language skills. Creating meals with you can also help to build self-confidence and lay the foundation for healthy eating habits. While it may take a little bit of flexibility and preparation on your part, it can be a time you both enjoy!
How do you get started? Choose a recipe with your child based on what food you may already have in the house and how much time you have. With older children you can add a budget and nutrition component by discussing the cost of items and looking at food labels to talk about the nutritional value of a recipe.
Next, establish some kitchen rules! Set rules early on to make sure safety is a priority and your child understands. Walk through how to use different utensils and appliances safely and the importance of having adult supervision when working in the kitchen. This is a great time to talk about food safety as well! Discuss the 4 steps to food safety; clean – wash hands and surfaces often, separate – don’t cross contaminate, cook – cook foods thoroughly, and chill – refrigerate promptly.
Before starting a recipe, think about the tasks involved and assign them to you and your child accordingly. Younger kids can help by wiping down surfaces, washing fruits and vegetables, tearing leafy greens, carrying ingredients from one place to another, mixing ingredients, putting things in the trash, and other easy tasks. Older kids can help by peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables, shaping dough and meats, pouring liquids, and many other tasks. Older kids may even be able to make their own meal or dish! Remember, to always offer guidance and positive reinforcements to your little chef!
Once your recipe is prepared, enjoy it together! Let your child take the first bite and enjoy their accomplishment! Sit down together as you eat your creation and discuss the process, success, and what you learned in creating your recipe.
If you don’t have access to a kitchen or have younger children, who may not be quite ready for cooking tasks, try making food art instead! Food art activities can teach similar concepts of nutrition and are fun! Be creative and highlight healthy fruits and vegetables as ingredients in your masterpiece. Talk about the importance of each different item and how they help our growing bodies. You may have to do some prep work before this activity can begin, to have items cleaned, cut, and ready to use.
Here are a few more tips to help you involve kids in your kitchen! Don’t stress, kids and cooking do not always equal neat, so allow for a little extra mess and enjoy the time together. If you have a home garden, use items from it in your recipe, and if you don’t consider creating your own home garden! Keep recipes simple, cooking will take longer with kids since they often need more time to process instructions and may need additional assistance when trying out new skills, make sure you allow for plenty of time to complete the recipe. You can also host a family cooking competition, let each family member or child choose a dish to make and vote on the favorite!
Spending time in the kitchen with your kids can help to foster an interest in food and healthy choices that will last for life!
