Cooking with kids

Cooking with Kids without Losing Your Mind

November 14, 2011

By Jennifer Ascher

Do your children constantly bother you in the kitchen wanting to help you cook, but you just want them to leave you alone because it is quicker and easier to do it yourself?
 
I know what you’re thinking; cooking with my kids will create a bigger mess in the kitchen, it will take longer to prepare the meal, and I don’t have the time or patience. Well I am here to tell you that the benefits of learning, fun and family time outweigh the mess and extra time it takes. Let’s look at some of the benefits and learning that occurs when you cook with your children and then I will share how with some planning and organization you too can involve your children in the kitchen without losing your mind.
The benefits of cooking with children:

• Creates family time and bonding.
• If your child is a picky eater. By getting them involved they are more likely to try new foods because they helped create it.
• Teaches them concepts such as math skills, following directions, thinking, planning, sequence and so on.
• Boosts self esteem, confidence and gives them a sense accomplishment.
• Encourages creativity
• Teaches them the art of giving for other’s enjoyment.
• Promotes fine motor skills.
• They are learning skills that will be invaluable later in life.

Some steps to take to make this an enjoyable experience for both of you:
 

• Cook with your kids when you are not pressed for time and can devote the time to it. A good way to plan for this is to incorporate a day during the week in your schedule where they will be chef for the day. This will let them know that they will be in charge of preparing or helping with the meal(s) that day. My boys love this because not only does it let them decide what is for dinner but gives them a true sense of accomplishment knowing they helped prepare the meal. My oldest who is a picky eater has become less of one since I started doing this.
• Start small let them help you with something very simple but provides immediate success for them.
• Provide them with their own equipment (small rolling pin, apron, etc) make sure that it is age appropriate and safe.
• For younger kids set up a work area at a lower height.
• Be generous with praise. Everybody likes to be acknowledged for a job well done.
• Model the behavior you want them to follow (washing your hands, cleaning up as you go)
• Be clear on what is expected of them in the kitchen (safety, listening, following directions, cleaning up etc)
• Lower your expectations. Don’t expect perfection and stay calm.

The most important tip I can give you is enjoy the time with your kids and know that you are teaching them valuable life lessons and creating family memories that they will cherish when they grow up. What better time to start than the holidays!