Barbara Beery Expert Tips for Fun in the Kitchen
Not only does time in the kitchen allow for family bonding, kids can also benefit by learning about healthy eating, practicing fine motor skills (chopping, pouring, etc.), problem solving and arithmetic (such as measuring out ingredients), as well as focusing on safety and responsibility. Beery gives the following ideas on how to inspire a lifetime love of culinary enjoyment:
- Get organized. Before starting a recipe, have your children help clean the work area, get out all pots, bowls and utensils needed and check to see that everything is in place. That way there’s no need to hunt around and you’ll be able to stay focused on the recipe itself – and you’re teaching your kids to start off on the right foot!
- Divide up tasks. As much as you can, get everyone in the family involved. There’s no reason why even the littlest chef can’t be helping by setting the table, wiping down the counters, or helping to stir contents in a bowl. The more helpers, the more fun!
- Be a good role model. Kids of course learn from watching the actions of adults – in order to inspire the right kind of behavior in the kitchen, always be ready to show by example. For instance: use oven mitts, keep knives and other dangerous utensils out of reach, keep an eye on portion control, and always include a healthy variety of foods in the meals you prepare.
- Promote problem-solving. Use this opportunity to show your kids what to do when things don’t necessarily go your way (as is often the case in cooking and in life!) Ran out of vanilla too soon? A little water in the bottle can help make it go longer without hampering the cookies TOO much. Spill the sugar on the floor? Take a minute to tap dance, giggle and then grab the broom.
- Remember math and science. Cooking is a great way for kids to learn about cause and effect, math, and even chemistry when baking. Show them the numbers on the measuring cups and have fun comparing the volume of one source of measurement to another. Demonstrate how heat affects your food – water starts to boil, cookie dough begins to melt, etc.
- Relax and enjoy. The recipe might not turn out exactly how it was supposed to, there may be a few more ingredients on the floor to clean up, and perhaps it takes longer to make dinner than you thought – but nothing can compare to the feeling of accomplishment your kids will have when everyone sits down to eat a meal they helped prepare. Be patient and compliment your child for a job well done!
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