Cooking with children in the kitchen is a lot more than splitting up tasks. It’s a chance for bonding and learning.
Planning a menu can be a positive experience for children. It gives them a sense of importance and boosts their self esteem. Encourage them to think of ideas. Sometimes by offering them a couple choices you have picked, the child still feels included in the planning. This is best when it comes to holidays or weekends with many guests visiting, which are times a child is prone to feeling left out. Make it aware that you are writing down as the planning discussion is happening, this will reassure the child that he/she is actually contributing, developing a trust with you and commitment to the child’s input.
Planning and discussing with children also allows them to be creative and express themselves imaginatively.
Preparing and cooking will be a much more cooperative experience when the child feels they are needed. As you are preparing- talk about the importance of the main ingredient of the dish. This allows the children to connect their actions to a broader context and meaning. For example, why carrots are good for our bodies. “They help our eyes. Milk and cheese help our bones grow strong. Fish makes our hair strong.”
Kids in the kitchen is more than quality time for you and your child, it is also a time where the child will become aware of different symbols, words, concepts, and even come closer to trying new foods. For example, they will become well acquainted with symbols such as the half sign ( ½ ) visually in writing and in measurement, and by discussing with you what a half means. It is also interesting to point out and talk about the changes occurring when cooking, such as the changes in texture, color, and smell.
Children in Charge
Here is a list of responsibilities in the kitchen for the child:
Cooking:
Gently rinse the fruits & vegetables.
Tear leaves- mint, lettuce, herbs etc.
Dip berries or grapes into water to wash them.
Lay out paper towel to place washed fruits/vegetables on.
Bring ingredients from one place to another.
Beat eggs with a fork or whisk.
Pour liquid ingredients into a bowl.
Dump dry ingredients into a bowl.
Stir batter with a spoon.
Roll a lemon or orange and squeeze out the juice.
Cut soft ingredients with a butter knife.
Mash bananas, potatoes, carrots, yams
The Table:
Clear table for meal.
Set the table.
Choose the napkins & placemats, table cover ( you can select a couple and ask them to choose one)
Put rolls or bread on a plate or in a basket.
Bring items to the table.
Pour milk or water from a small pitcher
Kitchen clean-up:
Clear table after everyone has left
Bring back other items to the kitchen, one by one
Cleaning up together can be a good experience also. This replaces the chore association of clean up with another activity done together.
Importance of the Dinner Table
Aside from the emphasis on healthy alternatives, another reason for this project was to highlight the importance of the dinner table. Just as important as implementing healthier eating habits is the context of the meal itself. Dinner is when the whole family comes together and enjoys one activity together. When a child feels like a part of that process, eating together will be just as valuable. This early development of self worth is vital in a healthy physical and mental foundation.
Children are also more likely to enjoy the food they eat because it has a positive association. While the recipes are for the physical health and well being of the child, the dinner table’s importance is more for emotional health.
Even if sometimes a parent is unable to make it in time for dinner, even getting together with your child and preparing lunch for the next day would mean something to them. The next day at school with the lunch made with mom will definitely brighten the day. It also creates better eating habits. This connection with the family at the dinner table promotes a healthier emotional state, preventing an unhealthy habits later in life.
