So the busy mom side of my brain says it’s easier to keep
the kids out of the kitchen. They make too much of a mess, they take too long
and get in the way and we are usually trying to get out the door to attend some
other evening activity.
But the dietitian side says getting kids of all ages
involved in the kitchen is really important and benefits both the busy parents
and the kids. Here’s how….
Cooking is a life skill – we all need to eat, every day. So
it’s important we all know how to prepare and cook food, preferably healthy
food. In my belief it’s never too early or too late to learn. So if you are
struggling with what exactly your 2 year old can do to help check out this
great resource “Cooking with Kids of Different Ages” from Eatright Ontario.
Cooking is more than just cooking. It involves planning
meals, shopping, preparing and cooking the food and then cleaning up. There are
jobs that kids can help with at every step. Picking a dinner to make, helping
to shop, washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables and fruit, helping with setting
the table, clearing the dishes or loading the dishwasher.
Here are some things I have learned over the years while
including my daughter.
Involve your kids when you have some time maybe it’s just
one night a week and then on the weekend. It doesn’t have to be every night.
A little patience goes a long way. Learning any new skill
takes time and kids will be slow and messy. There are a lot of skills to learn
and because heat and sharp knives are often involved there are some safety tips
that need to be learned too.
Your way is not the only way – this is one I have to remind
myself of, frequently. There are many ways to cut up and dice a pepper – no one
way is more right.
Try to explain as much as you can so your children can
learn, understand and appreciate how food is prepared and cooked. Check out our how to videos showcasing basic cooking skills and recipes.
Happy cooking with your kids!
Shannon RD
Registered Dietitian
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