Cooking with Mom
Time spent in the kitchen can be more than just a "cooking lesson." It can be an adventure, a time of bonding, a time to share. Embrace that time and use that to help your children develop a healthier relationship with food and gain the independence & responsibility they need as they grow older. Children can begin early on to follow directions while developing their reading skills. As they grow older, more responsibility can be given to allow them the chance to explore their tastes and develop a more sophisticated palette. Here are a few tips when cooking with your "young chefs:"
Elementary-aged Children:
Start off with basic tasks such as mashing potatoes, rolling & kneading cookie dough, sifting and stirring and basic measuring of dry ingredients. If you have more than one child in the kitchen, be sure to divvy out the tasks equally while encouraging teamwork and cooperation. Use this time to let children practice their reading skills when working with a recipe, or their math skills through measurement equivalents.
Older kids:
Older children can generally take on more responsibility in the kitchen. If they have worked with you in the kitchen before, let them be the "head chef" while you assist as the "sous chef." Allow them to select the menu and plan the entire meal from start to finish. If your child expresses an even stronger desire to learn more in the kitchen, use that opportunity to learn with them!
First things, first!
Start off any cooking experience with the "mise en place" method (meaning "everything in its place"). Having everything you need before you get started will help make the experience as smooth as possible. Safety first! Parents should supervise any portion of the recipe instructions which call for use of sharp utensils as well as use of the stove or other hot appliances. Even if your child is more "experienced" in the kitchen, itÍs still a good idea to use a safety glove with the use of knife-handling. Closely monitor all activity but allow your child to use their imagination whenever possible and be sure to praise your young chefs!
