How to Get Your Kids into the Kitchen
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Growing up, my siblings and I were fully involved in cooking and meal preparation. Our mother taught us that cooking was a survival skill because we all need to eat. Not taking the opportunity to learn how to cook for yourself was a crime in her eyes.
I have three siblings, and all of us are like fairy godmothers in the kitchen. We can whip up amazing meals at the drop of a hat, and at various points of our lives, each of us has made a living from cooking.
As a mother of three, I also make sure that my children participate in kitchen activities. This involvement has increased their confidence and improved their creativity as each one tries to outdo the other in the kitchen. Beyond this, they will never have to depend on another person to cook for them because they don't know how.
How to get kids involved in cooking and meal preparation
1. Explain the importance of learning to cook
Start by explaining why knowing how to prepare a meal is an essential skill. It’s almost as important as breathing. Let your kids know that being able to cook means they can take charge of their own health. It's a skill that empowers them, not a chore or call to servitude.
2. Make it fun
When cooking and meal prep are fun, kids will be more enthusiastic about participating. Here are some ways to make it enjoyable:
● Create a theme night: Have a taco night, pizza night, or even a breakfast-for-dinner night. Let your kids pick the theme and help prepare the meal.
● Involve games: Turn cooking into a game. You could have a mini cooking competition or time them while they chop vegetables. Growing up, we used to play a game called “Magic”. We were allowed to create magic recipes from any three ingredients we could lay our hands on.
● Music and cooking: Play their favorite music while cooking. This can make the experience more enjoyable and less like a task.
3. Go grocery shopping together
Allow your kids to go grocery shopping with you and contribute to the process. Sometimes, I let my kids suggest the ingredients and groceries we need to buy. This involvement helps them understand where food comes from and what goes into making their favorite dishes.
4. Start with simple recipes and age-appropriate tasks
Tailor the tasks and recipes to fit your children's ages and skill levels and commend them for their work. This boosts their confidence and inspires them to want to participate more.
5. Teach safety first
Cooking can be fun, but it’s essential to teach your kids about kitchen safety. Make sure they understand the importance of handling knives carefully, being cautious around hot surfaces, and cleaning up spills to avoid accidents.
6. Encourage experimentation
Allow your children to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. This not only makes cooking fun but also enhances their creativity and understanding of how different tastes and textures work together.
7. Make it a family affair
Cooking together as a family can be a wonderful bonding experience. Designate one night a week as a family cooking night where everyone has a role, from prepping ingredients to cooking and setting the table. This routine can create lasting memories and instill a love for cooking. Sometimes, my mom would make us cook outdoors over a large fire. The meals made like this always had a special taste and feel to them.
8. Celebrate their efforts
Always celebrate your kids’ cooking efforts, no matter how small. Acknowledge their hard work and creativity. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to keep trying and improve their skills.
9. Create a recipe book together
Start a family recipe book where your kids can add their favorite recipes. They can decorate the pages, write notes about what they enjoyed, and even rate the recipes. This book can become a treasured keepsake and a source of pride for your children.
10. Lead by example
Finally, lead by example. Show your love for cooking and meal prep. When your kids see you enjoying the process, they’re more likely to want to join in and develop their own love for cooking.
Getting kids involved in cooking and meal prep is about more than just teaching them a useful skill. It’s about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and spending quality time together as a family. By making the process fun and engaging, you can help your children develop a lifelong appreciation for good food and the joy of cooking.
About the Author
Chinyere Nwachukwu is a mom of three and entrepreneur. She helps other moms start and scale their own businesses from home by leveraging digital skills. When she's not working, she is spending time trying out new recipes in the kitchen or reading a thriller novel.