As parents in today’s society, rushing around has become part of our landscape. Drop the kids at school, head to work, pick the kids up, off to practice or tutoring, pick the kids up, trip to the grocery store, figure out what’s for dinner, help them with their homework, get ready for bed, and start it all over in the morning ! Geesh…
It’s so easy to get caught up in the cycle and forget how to stop, breathe and connect with our children. One of the best ways to connect as a family is in the kitchen. Teaching your kids to cook will not only provide your family with a chance to unwind, but also equip them with a skill they can use for the rest of their life.
Here are some of my favorite tips for getting your child in the kitchen:
- Let them pick: Give your child one day out of the week to pick the dinner your family will cook. (If they get to choose they usually will want to help.) Set some parameters and have them assist in purchasing the ingredients. While shopping together throw in some math (I need three pounds of cucumbers, how much are they a pound and how much would it be for three pounds?) Lastly give the meal or day a name e.g. Sally’s special spaghetti, Evan’s broccoli delight, Tabatha’s tasty Tuesdays!
- Make them your Sous Chef: Children love to contribute and feel independent. When you get in the kitchen include them in the preparation. Let them snap the peas, taste some of the ingredients, wash the lettuce, pull out pots and pans or take stuff out of the fridge. If the recipe calls for adding a spice or herb at a certain point let them throw it in the pan and at dinner celebrate how tasty the meal is because of their help. Get their opinion on the final dish. Ask them what they taste? Sweet, Spicy, Sour?
- Build their confidence: I’ve found that teaching children an easy skill like how to make vinaigrette is a great way to build their confidence and a catalyst to learning more. Grab some vinegar, olive oil, dry herbs, a bowl and a whisk, and have them mix the ingredients. Too strong? Add some more olive oil. Too weak? Add some vinegar. Have them taste the dressing as they mix it. They will learn the lesson of emulsifying (mixing) and develop a palette. It also knocks one thing off of your to-do list.
- Create the environment: This is my favorite! Put on your aprons, bring the iPod or radio into the kitchen, turn up their favorite song and have a three minute jam session before the cooking begins. This will set the mood and memory that cooking and being in the kitchen isn’t just a task but a time of family fun and connection!
~ Chef Bryce
Returning to our kitchen?