KEEP THE KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Your child’s school is not the only magical place where your kids can learn, listen, grow, play, and laugh!

Some decades ago, most people either lived in the cities or in remote areas where they farmed. Children played an integral part in the daily functioning of a family’s routine. No matter how busy their lifestyle became, the kitchen was their focal point of meeting – where important issues of the family were discussed. Where they shared daily events and what was going on in the community. Grandparents, parents, and kids sharing recipes and telling tales while cooking together in this multi-purpose room called “the kitchen!”

Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for busy parents and single parent homes to make time to talk about life’s lessons and teach their youth basic cooking skills.

However, kids like creating in the kitchen. They enjoy separating the eggs, pouring the crumbs, tearing the lettuce, and seeing the dough rise. Yes, keeping the kids in the kitchen requires a little extra clean up, patience, and time, but it is worth the effort.

Including your kids in the family’s meal preparation is an amazing way of observing the result of your kid’s creativity. Apart from this, you can ask about their experience at school or how they spent their day during the cooking activity. This is a proven way to have a closer relationship with your kids and teach them some important life skills.

Use your 5 senses!

Kids learn by using their senses, and one of the ideal places to do this in the kitchen. Invite them to  see how the mixer works, touch the dough rises as it rises, hear how the onions sound in a hot pan, smell the fresh herbs, and taste the finished product before plating it! (Kids love being the final say before everyone else gets a taste!) Being around to observe how the dishes are being put together and receiving hands-on-experience is such an important component of learning.

Boost their confidence:

Kids love to observe things and put what learned into practice. Keeping them in the kitchen provides an excellent way to achieve this sense of accomplishment. Appreciate their help and let them know their input was important. Even if they only helped set the table and serve the meal.

Although it can be frustrating, parents should understand that their kids are learning cooking through trial and error.

Nervous Little Fingers:

Now don’t get me wrong, not every child wants to learn how to cook. If you have an apprehensive child who is nervous about getting in the kitchen, try these tips to help them feel comfortable:

~ Talk about healthy eating and why you choose a particular ingredient. This is fundamental for good nutrition later on in life.

~Involve your kids in grocery shopping and meal planning.

~Show them the importance of cleaning the kitchen while you are cooking.

~Show them how to keep kitchen utensils in safe places. Kitchen safety & sanitation should also be prioritized.

Everything that takes place in your kitchen is a stepping stone to an amazing path of personal improvement. Bring your family closer, one recipe at a time!

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