Encouraging Kids In The Kitchen

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From the time my children were little, they have been with me in the kitchen cooking, baking, and preparing meals.  I have many friends who can not cook and rely heavily on their spouse to prepare all meals or else its all about convenience foods.  While one member of the family may take on the primary cooking responsibilities, it’s important to have these basic skills so that you can take care of your own needs when the time arises. Cooking with your kids is essential to making sure they are able to care for themselves later in life.

Growing up, we had home ec.  My middle school cooking teacher, Mrs. Dunn, taught us the basics of how to prepare a simple meal.  She noticed quickly who had experience in the kitchen and who was absolutely clueless and would assign our daily responsibilities accordingly so that those who knew what to do wouldn’t take over the meal preparation.  As a result, students who were not encouraged to cook at home gained valuable skills that would carry them through the rest of their lives.

Home Ec is no longer taught in a lot of schools, so it’s even more important than ever to go back to how things were in past generations, with children alongside their grandparents or parents preparing and ultimately enjoying meals. 

If you are an adult who doesn’t cook, learn along with your children!  It is never too late to gain a new skill.  If you are a confident home cook, take the extra time to teach your children how to prepare their favorites, and ultimately cook for the family.  Even a toddler can mix cake or brownie batter, or sprinkle cheese, or even be the official taste tester.  As the child’s skills improve, so does the repertoire of recipes that they have helped prepare.

I have decided to incorporate a more formal cooking lesson into our homeschooling curriculum on a weekly basis.  We will tie in our weekly food lessons with what were are learning in Social Studies, Science, or Reading and of course we will be using Math as well.  In addition, cooking and meal planning/prep can be tied into various Cub Scout advancements and Girl Scout badges, so you know that will be on the horizon for us as well.

Tools for Kids in the Kitchen

We want kids safe while they are in the kitchen, that’s why many of these resources are smaller-sized versions of the kitchen tools you may already have.  

Kitchen Step Stool with Adjustable Safety Rail

Kai Little Chef Club Children’s Knife

Curious Chef 30-Piece Chef Caddy Collection

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Food Chopper

Curious Chef Child Chef Mitt Set

MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials Set

Joie Fruit And Vegetable Wavy Chopper

Cookbooks For Kids & Families

These cookbooks are written with children as their target audience.  The pictures and food selections often appeal more to kids.  Preview the books online to see if the recipes would match your child’s food preferences.

The Toddler Cookbook

Mommy and Me Bake

American Girl Cooking: Recipes for Delicious Snacks, Meals & More

Better Homes & Gardens New Junior Cookbook

Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)

Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake!

Cookbook for Teens: The Easy Teen Cookbook with 74 Fun & Delicious Recipes to Try

Good Housekeeping Kids Cook!

What is your favorite food or meal to prepare with your children?