8 Ways to Get Cooking With Your Kids
A legacy, something handed down from one generation to another, is often jewelry or money or property. But the legacy in my family is the gift of learning how to shop for, cook and appreciate the pleasures of good food. I'm fortunate that my kids are inheriting it while I'm still here to see them enjoy it.
I have always tried to set an example when I set the table, and my children are living proof that such a practice actually works. I'd be lying if I told you it's easy to get your family involved in preparing food and eating healthfully. But it's possible, especially when others are on board. The challenge is finding common ground -- and that journey may need to be initiated by you.
Whether you like to cook or prefer to just order in, food is a thread that connects us all. There are ways dads, moms and family caregivers can bring everyone to the kitchen without spending hours slaving over a hot stove or keeping the kids from doing their homework.
Here are eight new ways to connect with your children in the kitchen. Try them, and you may end up sharing more than a meal.
1. Take your kids shopping.
Since my kids were big enough to sit in shopping carts, they came to the store with me. Bringing your kids along is a fun way to bond while teaching kids about individual ingredients, says Tamera Mowry-Housley, an actress, mom, host of the talk show "The Real" and spokesperson for Uncle Ben's Brand. "This [strategy] is also great for busy moms like me because it turns an every week 'to-do' into something special with your family," she says.
2. Play with your food.
Mowry-Housley uses cookie cutters when making meals. "My son Aden makes fun shapes in his pancakes and even makes rice animals for dinner to help him identify different shapes and types of animals," she says. Playing with food also becomes fun when you let your child play the role of "official taste tester," as Mowry-Housley calls it, as she lets her son try a small bite of everything for dinner, allowing him to offer his feedback. Games like these encourage kids to try new foods and experiment with a various recipes.
3. Create a loving lesson.
Most kids don't enjoy learning fractions in school, but adding up 1/4 cup chocolate chips with 1/4 cup chopped nuts makes 1/2 cup of delicious ingredients -- and a fun way to learn how to add! For younger children, Mowry-Housley suggests having them count how many ingredients get tossed into the mixing bowl.
4. Get help from all ages.
"Ease kids into the process by giving them one or two tasks and letting them watch you do everything else," suggests Diana Rice, the Kids Cook Monday's staff dietitian. "Kids are typically also more interested in baking, so consider starting with a healthy baked goods recipe and then moving up to family meals." Mowry-Housley ensures a safe cooking experience by purchasing kid-friendly cooking utensils that are specially made for little hands.
5. Keep criticism off the table.
You can never emphasize kitchen safety too much when you cook with your family. "With toddlers and younger kids, you'll be doing most of the actual cooking, while they participate in age-appropriate tasks like squeezing citrus fruit, dumping an ingredient into the bowl or stirring," Rice says. "It's the action that counts, not the result, so if they aren't able to mix the dish as much as the recipe requires, congratulate them on a great job and ask for a turn yourself." Teens, on the other hand, may prefer to do everything themselves. Parents still need to supervise. "Start with basics like knife and stove safety, and the proper washing of produce, handling of raw items and measuring of ingredients," Rice says. As difficult as it may be, try not to chime in unless you're asked for assistance.
6. Embrace themes and trends.
Whether it's Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday or Turkey Thursday, kids love theme nights. Mowry-Housley suggests you choose a theme and let your young chef look the part by wearing an apron, oven mitts and even a little chef's hat. Why wait until Halloween? Dressing in costume could be fun for the entire family while enjoying lots of treats without tricks!
7. Stage a photo shoot.
My family knows I'm obsessed with taking foodie photos, but I'll admit there are times that my kids take much better shots than I do. I'm not a fan of screens and plates, so there's a "no TV at mealtime" rule in our house. But sharing dinner photos on social media after mealtime could bring fun for all.
8. Welcome creativity.
Rice recommends capturing young chefs' interest by encouraging them to take a leadership role in the cooking process. "Let them pick the recipe from a cookbook, magazine or Pinterest, or better yet, ask what they want to eat," she suggests. And what if they come up with an unhealthy pick? "Take the opportunity to find a healthier from-scratch version of the item, like baked homemade chicken nuggets," Rice says. It's less important to stick with the recipe than it is to enjoy the activity of cooking together.
The benefits of eating meals together as a family are well-documented, and home cooking is associated with better-quality diets. Kids will be more interested in trying new dishes that they took part in creating. Whether it's food shopping, preparing a meal at the kitchen counter or sitting around a dinner table, there's no doubt you'll be cooking up a lifetime of memories together.
