It's never too late to start cooking with your children. I hear and read that some parents don't start cooking with their kids because they think they are too old or too young. It's just not true. Kids of all ages can learn to cook. Start the cooking adventure today with your kids.
You've Got to Start at the Beginning
You've probably heard to start at the beginning. However, the definition of "beginning" depends on who is using the word. Start with the basics. Things like boiling water, washing your hands and reading a recipe are things that most kids can handle. Buy some basic cooking supplies for your kids. Find measuring instruments and a cooking apron for the younger ones. Purchase a set of new, inexpensive cookbooks geared toward kids.
Don't Be Afraid to Explore
Exploration and experimentation are the most fun part of the cooking adventure. It gives children of all ages the chance to find out what makes a meal come together. Let kids explore what might happen if too much flour is added to the cookie batter. Help build critical thinking skills they need in school and a job later in life.
Cooking Stories
Everyone's got cooking stories, even if they aren't into cooking much. Perhaps you remember a time cooking with a loved one in your life. This could be your parents or your grandparents. Chances are you can find a cooking story to tell while the water is boiling. Tell your cooking story and build trust with your children. Trust is important in cooking with your kids. They need to know it's okay to ask questions about everything from why it takes so long to boil to why we need salt in the cookie batter.
Set Aside Time
It doesn't take much time to cook with your kids. But you have to set time down to start somewhere. A good time is on the weekends when you can spend time going over safety rules and perhaps a recipe or two. Pencil them into your busy schedule. Avoid making excuses as this may curb their enthusiasm. Kids want to spend time with you, and cooking is a great family activity.
Holiday Cooking
Holidays are another treat for the family that cooks together. Plan a holiday menu and come up with ideas to get the kids involved in the holiday process. It won't be just setting the table. They can provide support. They can help cook side dishes. Give toddlers the duty of decorating the cookies. Give teenagers the duty of making the stuffing. Dividing the duties among family members helps the main cook (possibly you) get other cooking things done. It helps to keep stress levels down. It's also a great time for kids to realize how family dynamics work.
Cooking Brings the Family Together
In the end, it's all worth the effort of starting this cooking adventure with the kids. It teaches them something valuable and something they will use the rest of their lives. It also teaches them the value of being together as a family and gives them something to look forward to doing with you.
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Before kids begin cooking, they need to learn basic cooking safety. |
You can create fun apple crafts at home with your kids during cooking time. An apple a day keeps the boredom away, especially when the apple you have is turned into an old fashioned apple-head doll! |
