Most kids love to cook. It’s hands on, its messy and there’s plenty room for them to create, plus the sense of achievement at the end. Allowing kids to spend time in the kitchen and cooking new recipes helps kids to develop a positive connection to different types of foods including fruits and vegetables. Regardless of age, all kids can learn basic cooking skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
Kids learn by touching, tasting, feeling, smelling and listening. When you cook with kids, you are equipping them with practical experience and essential skills such as reading, following instructions and measuring. Plus, it helps to develop fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and early concepts for math and science.
Cooking with your kids is also a great time to bond with them. You can plan meals together, look into recipes and share ideas on how to make meals healthier and the kids get to share their opinions too.
Here’s some tips that’ll help you and your kids enjoy cooking together.
Expect a lot of mess
It’s going to be a messy affair when you are cooking with kids. However, you can lay down newspapers on the floor to make clean up easier. Ultimately, its all about having fun cooking and cleaning with kids.
Get them ready
Wear aprons and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and tie back long hair. Add a chef’s hat for better protection.
Teach them about food hygiene
Make sure they wash their hands before and after touching raw and cooked food.
Touching and tasting
The fun part begins when kids get to touch raw ingredients and taste each ingredient. This encourages them to be more adventurous in eating plus it’s a good opportunity to teach them which food is safe to eat raw.
Age and ability
Each child has their own capabilities and you should be able to recognize what they are capable of doing. There are always activities for every child, from messing around at the kitchen sink to chopping vegetables to stirring at the stove top. No matter how old, it will be a good learning experience for them. So, bring the kids into the kitchen.
