Parents looking for things to do with kids, as well as parents of children who may be picky or unenthusiastic eaters may find that cooking and baking with kids can be the answer. While it may take some practice, as well as some patience, having the kids cook can help develop several skills, give them a sense of confidence and independence and help them get more interested in the food they eat.
Kids in the Kitchen
The first step to having children help with food preparation is to first prepare both the kitchen and the child. Take the child’s age into account, and provide stools, plastic mixing bowls, and easy to grip and read measuring cups as needed.
Get the child involved from the very beginning. Ask what they’d like to make, and take them shopping for ingredients. Have unadventurous eaters choose a different type of vegetable or other food and look up a recipe for how to cook it together.
Explain basic kitchen safety, and outline the ways that the child can help. Young children can help pour, measure and stir, while older children can begin peeling and chopping. Take the time to explain about the stove and oven and any cooking techniques that will be used, such as broiling or baking.
Begin With an Easy Recipe
Start off slow and easy, preparing a dish or desert that the child already likes to eat. This will help get them interested in the idea of cooking, keeping the comfort level high. Begin with something easy, to help boost confidence, and give a sense of accomplishment, so that they’ll be willing to cook again. Get progressively harder, eventually moving on to meals and dishes that are alien to the whole family.
Be Patient and Have Fun
Cooking with kids will take longer than cooking alone, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind the various benefits that children will be developing, from an increase in fine motor skills, to advances in math, measurements and direction taking, as well as a sense of confidence in the kitchen.
If pressed for time at most meals, try to set aside time once a week to have the child assist. Let them do the menu planning for this night, and encourage picky eaters to try new things by giving them hand in creating it.
With time, cooking together can be a fun and rewarding experience for both kids and parents.
There are many cookbooks geared both toward kids and toward inexperienced cooks. Take a look at them with the child to begin getting ideas for simple recipes. If the child seems unsure about the process, begin by letting them watch a meal being prepared. Then start asking them to retrieve various ingredients, and move on to measuring and stirring. With time, even the most reluctant child will be learning to cook with ease, and parents and children will find new and rewarding ways to spend time together, cooking as a family.
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