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Along with your child learning math, language and writing skills in the classroom as the new school year starts, it’s also a good time to learn new life skills in the kitchen.
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We gathered all the best tips, tricks and recipes to help your child gain confidence and perhaps grow their culinary skills.
Here’s what to know:
Why is it important for children to be involved in meal prep?
To keep it simple, teaching your child kitchen skills is an essential part of helping them develop independence and confidence.
But what exactly are they learning in the kitchen? According to experts at Children’s Wisconsin there are multiple benefits for both you and your child. Here’s what they found:
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- Encouraging healthy eating: If your child is the occasional picky eater, having them involved in the kitchen allows them to be a part of the process and get them excited about what’s on their plate.
- Teaching life skills: Preparing food and understanding the basics of nutrition and kitchen safety can help your child develop into a well-rounded adult.
- Fostering Independence: Although it is more time-consuming to finish a task with a child in the kitchen, the long-term investment allows your child to become more confident in themselves and their ability to take care of themselves.
- Teaching about other cultures: Children are more likely to try new foods if they are involved in food preparation. It allows them to try new flavors and better understand preparations of particular cultural meals.
- Spending time together: With family and school schedules it can be hard to spend quality time with your kids, but the kitchen provides opportunities to meal plan, shop, cook and bake together while developing lifelong memories.
What age can children help pack their lunch?
Regardless of grade, your child can be involved in meal prepping, within limits. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has provided guidelines on how to get your child involved in helping prepare family meals.
Here is what experts recommend:
- 3 to 5 years old: break apart asparagus, tear lettuce for a salad or help stir simple ingredients
- 6 to 7 years old: crack eggs, measure ingredients, tear apart herbs such as basil
- 8 to 9 years old: whisk eggs, open canned beans for chili, juice lemon
- 10 and older: slice or chop vegetables and fruits, bake foods in the oven, stir-fry veggies on the stove
What to consider before getting started in the kitchen
Before assigning your child to kitchen tasks, there are several things to consider in order to have a safe and fun time.
Here is what to consider, according to experts from Michigan State University:
- Children have short attention spans and require quick and easy jobs.
- Keep instructions simple and provide them one step at a time.
- Begin with rinsing produce, measuring ingredients, pouring out ingredients and peeling or sectioning citrus fruits.
- Children may need reminders about instructions. Be prepared to repeat instructions as needed.
- Expect spills and messes. Have kids help with cleanup as well.
- Give positive feedback on your child’s cooking effort to encourage continued participation.
- Have the helper eat their food from a special “cooks helper” plate or wear a special apron.
What are some kid-friendly beginner meals?
If you are looking for ideas for your kids to cook here is a list of beginner-friendly meals for kids of all ages, according to the FoodNetwork.
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- Zipper bag fruit salad
- Quesadillas
- Alfredo shrimp scampi dump dinner
- Brownie mix cookies
- Pizza Skewers
- Roasted Turkey and Basil Cream Cheese Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie
- Ricotta, Blueberry and Grape Toasts
- Mini Lasagna Cups
- Chocolate-Marshmallow Mug Cakes
- Apple Granola Stackers