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8 helpful tips on cooking with your kids
It is true that cooking with kids requires time, effort and patience, but it is usually worth it in the end. Make your cooking experience with your child that little bit easier by following some of these easy tips.
1. Preparation
Before you begin to cook with your kids, do some preparation in advance. Lay the ingredients out on a table, and have them pre-weighed if you are working with young co-chefs. It is also a good idea to have some healthy snacks on hand so as your kids aren’t munching on all of your ingredients. (The same goes for you too, mummy!)2. Build up
Start with simple, no bake recipes for the first few times that you cook together. Let your kids choose the recipe that they would most like to make so as to ensure that they will be interested in following through with the job.3. Rules
Establish some rules within the kitchen. Promote good hand washing and sanitation by having your kids wash their hands regularly throughout the process. Keep spoon licking at bay until the job has been completed so as to reduce double dipping but also so as to reward your kids with a job well done!4. Safety
Dangerous items should be kept out of reach. Watch out for sharp knives and hot surfaces. Keep little hands away from ovens and stoves, reserving these jobs for older kids or mummies and daddies.
5. Involve everyone
If you have toddlers in the house, let them feel involved by having them play with plastic pots and pans while you cook. They may spend the time banging out a tune with a pot and wooden spoon, but at least they won't feel left out!6. Homegrowing ingredients
Think about growing a few of your own herbs or plants to get your kids interested in their ingredients. Kids will love cooking (and eating) things they have grown themselves and will learn about food in the process.7. Timing
Carefully choose the right time to start cooking with your kids. Pick a weekend afternoon or a day during the holidays to begin with. Make sure your kids are well rested and won’t be easily upset or frustrated. We are all aware that starting off on any plan with tired, cranky kids is a recipe for disaster!8. Patience
Finally, be patient and enjoy the time you will get to spend with your kids. Try not to worry too much about the extra mess that will be made and make sure to relax and have fun.
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