The Cooking Adventure Begins

It's never too late to start your kids cooking. I hear and read that some parents don't start cooking with their kids because they think they are too old or too young. It's just not true. Kids of all ages can learn to cook. Start the cooking adventure today with your kids.

You've Got to Start at the Beginning

You've probably heard to start at the beginning. However, the definition of "beginning" depends on who is using the word. Start with the basics. Things like boiling water, washing your hands and reading a recipe are things that most kids can handle. Buy some basic cooking supplies for your kids. Find measuring instruments and a cooking apron for the younger ones. Purchase a set of new inexpensive cookbooks geared toward kids. Search your local book stores for more ideas of kid's cookbooks.

Don't be Afraid to Explore

Exploration and experimentation are the most fun part of the cooking adventure. It gives children of all ages, from three to ninety-three, the chance to find out what makes a meal come together. Let kids explore what might happen if too much flour is added to the cookie batter. Help build critical thinking skills they need in school and need in a job later in life.

Cooking Stories

Everyone's got cooking stories even if they aren't into cooking much. Perhaps you remember a time cooking with a loved one in your life. This could be your parents or your grandparents. Chances are you can find a cooking story to tell while the water is boiling. Tell your cooking story and bond with your children. Bond with your child and build the trust. Trust is important in cooking with your kids. They need to know it's okay to ask questions about everything from why it takes so long to boil, to why we need salt in the cookie batter.

Set Aside Time

It doesn't take much time to cook with your kids. But you have to set time down to start somewhere. A good time is on the weekends when you can spend time going over safety rules and perhaps a recipe or two. Pencil them into your busy schedule. Avoid making excuses as this may curb their enthusiasm. Kids want to spend time with you and cooking is a great family activity.

Holiday Cooking

Holidays are another treat for the family that cooks together. Plan a holiday menu and come up with ideas to get the kids involved in the holiday process. It won't be just setting the table. They can provide support. They can help cook side dishes. Give toddlers the duty of decorating the cookies. Give teenagers the duty of making the stuffing. Dividing the duties among family members helps the main cook (possibly you) get other cooking things done. It helps to keep stress levels down. It's also a great time for kids to realize how family dynamics work.

Cooking Brings the Family Together

In the end, it's all worth the effort of starting this cooking adventure with the kids. It not only teaches them something valuable and something they will use the rest of their lives. It teaches them the value of being together as a family. It gives them something to look forward to doing with you.

~Katina Mooneyham

Katina Mooneyham loves to cook with her kids. Living in rural central Ohio, she makes time to enjoy the outdoors. But in the kitchen and garden is where she enjoys her time most. She was trained to cook from an early age as both her parents love to cook and bake as well. She cooks and gardens beside or with her husband, three kids, several outside cats and a dog.