The growing awareness about the importance of eating clean has prompted a small but growing number of parents to involve their kids in cooking so that they can grow up to be proficient in the kitchen and not have to depend on cooks or restaurant needs. “Cooking is an important life skill just like reading, writing, and calculating. We must teach our kids to work in the kitchen.”
Cooking is cool again:-
Some miliennial moms feel the need to express their kids to cooking because they they themselves learnt too late. “Cooking and making reels about it may be trending now, but it was considered quite uncool when we were growing. All we could boast of was making instant noodles or omelettes. But we want our kids to know how to cook themselves a decent meal. “
Raising healthy eaters:-
Studies have found that kids who cook have a more positive approach to food, and are adventurous, less picky eaters. Moreover, they tend to eat better than kids who have to be coaxed to eat “two more bites please” or fed by distraction.
Teaching them to stay safe:-
The fear of getting cut or burnt is the top reason why most parents hesitate to allow kids into the kitchen. But those who do include their kids in cooking say that children can be taught about the dangers of “too hot, and “too sharp” easily. “We should not underestimate our kids. They can be super cautious when required.”
Montessori recommended crinkle cutters and kid-friendly knives with non-slip grips or ergonomic handles have hit the market, but parents say there is no need for special tools if the child is chopping under adult supervision. They also suggest giving kids hard ingredients like potato or carrot for chopping as softer ones like tomatoes slip from their grip easily. One needs to be mentally prepared for minor cuts and scrapes, too. It is part of the learning process.
Stove over screens:-
Parents point out that cooking is also a great way to keep kids off devices. Children who know the satisfaction of seeing bread rise in the oven or the joy of kneading a firm dough may choose to get into the kitchen to unwind at the end of a stressful day at school instead of playing Minecraft or scrolling reels.
Kitchen work is not limited to cooking. Some moms reveal that elders taunt them saying that they are using their children as kitchen assistants because they are too lazy to cook for themselves but they don’t care. Cooking is a fabulous sensory activity. Besides, training them for the future.
HOW TO RAISE A KITCHEN PRO:-
Under two years:-
Let your baby observe you while sitting in the baby carrier or the high chair. Hand a boiled broccoli or cauliflower floret to your six-month old and allow them to squash it with their pudgy fingers. This helps build fine-motor skills, and exposes them to different foods.
Two to five-year olds:-
Let toddlers wash vegetables, shell peas, stir batters and use safe scissors to chop herbs or butter knives to cut bananas, avocado, or cucumbers (pre-cut the cucumbers into halves lengthwise to make it easier to cut. Let them spread their own cream cheese or jam and make a sandwich and see them polish it off with delight. A stable stool or learning tower will help them use the counter-top with ease.
Six to twelve year olds:-
Primary school-goers can easily use peelers, graters, and regular knives (not extra sharp ones) under adult supervision. With your assistance, the child can also make pancakes, omelettes, cheelas, and pizza. You can also teach them to use a mixer to make smoothies and milkshakes. Cleaning up the kitchen and washing utensils is also an integral part of the process, so don’t forget to teach them that.
Thirteen onwards:-
Encourage your teen to cook one meal a week, by this age, kids are sensible enough to use the gas stove and are also pros at using the Internet so let them look up recipes and surprise you with a scrumptious dinner. You should also share grandma’s recipes with them so they can continue the family culinary legacy.
