4 min
July 26, 2021
Getting kids started in the kitchen is a fabulous way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating.
Not only is it a great opportunity to understand food, but it can also actually be fun and a great bonding opportunity. Plus it helps them to feel responsible and capable little humans.
If you have picky eaters, getting them in the kitchen is an amazing way to help them feel in control of what they’re eating.
Tagged topics: Daily Learning Ideas
“Like a bomb has landed”. Were the words that sprung to mind as I surveyed the fallout from cooking with all 4 of my kids.
Mess everywhere. The floor, the surfaces. A mountain of washing up to do.
That was many years ago and I’ve since learned that having kids in the kitchen doesn’t have to be “an activity”. Or difficult. In fact, they can actually be helpful. (I know you probably don’t believe me but hang in there and I’ll explain…)
I am passionate about healthy living. And healthy eating. I want my kids to grow up with healthy eating habits so when they leave home, they “do healthy eating” without having to think about it. For them, it’ll be “normal eating”.
Getting kids started in the kitchen is a fabulous way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating.
Not only is it a great opportunity to understand about food. And yes, for ourselves too. (Gasp at the amount of sugar that goes into a Victoria sponge.) It also sets them up with the skills they need to look after themselves when they leave home.
Plus it can actually be fun and a great bonding opportunity (when done in the “easy and simple” way.) As our kids get older, they can start to do things by themselves. Helping them to feel responsible and capable little humans.
If you have picky eaters, getting them in the kitchen is an amazing way to help them feel in control of what they’re eating.
1. Finding recipes. Have fun together looking at recipes. I’ve found it easier to give them “healthier” recipe books rather than the “cookies and cakes” ones. Put together your own recipe book(see our Recipe Templates)
2. Getting things ready. A great way to teach them about preparation.
3. Find simple things for them to do. Chopping Fruit and Veggies, weighing out ingredients, stirring ingredients, breaking eggs.
4. Cleaning up when we’re finished. Find the love of those bubbles! After much protesting my son loves to pretend he has a beard like a grandad.
Many people ask me when kids are old enough to start using a kitchen knife. My response? Know your child. Start by explaining how to use it and then watch them. There are loads of “less risky” activities that they can start off with. Also, think about other hazards such as hot pots and pans and electrical gadgets.
My oldest are now 13 and 11. Both of them can cook simple meals entirely by themselves. It may feel like a “long-term goal”, but the sooner you get your kids in the kitchen the better. My youngest used to stir things when he was 2.
Above all keep it simple and you’ll soon be enjoying your kids in the kitchen. And best of all, the kids are learning in the kitchen.
Written by:
Dr. Orlena Kerek
Dr. Orlena helps families create healthy habits they love so they can all feel fit and fabulous without having to think about it. Listen to her podcast: My Proven Method to Teach Kids Healthy Eating without the Fuss
Tagged topics: Daily Learning Ideas
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