

Welcome Little Chefs: Tips and Advice for Involving Kids in the Kitchen
30 April, 2024 • Par Laurence Morency-Guay
While it may be tempting to completely separate meal preparation time from play time with your children, it is actually beneficial to include them in this daily routine from time to time. Not only will they learn a lot and have a special time with their parents, but they will also likely develop skills that will lead them to autonomy and encourage their regular involvement in meal preparation.
Some important things to consider before inviting them into the kitchen:
- Create a safe workspace : Make sure the kitchen is safe and that children know basic safety rules. Use age-appropriate knives and supervise them closely when handling electrical appliances.
- Adapt tools to their age : If possible, invest in child-friendly kitchen utensils, such as dull knives, appropriately sized whisks, and easy-to-grip measuring spoons.
Cooking with kids in three easy steps:
- First, it’s important to teach children basic skills . Show them how to measure ingredients, mix, whisk, and other basic kitchen skills. Also explain the importance of following directions and understanding the steps in a recipe.
- Next, focus on simple recipes first . Start with recipes that don't involve too many complex steps so as not to discourage your little ones and to maintain their sense of competence in the task. Dishes like homemade pizzas, pastas, salads or smoothies are good places to start.
- Finally, make meal preparation a special time and a family ritual. Associate stories or anecdotes with meal preparation, such as sharing memories related to certain family recipes. Transform the kitchen into a place of sharing by creating a family ritual, such as preparing a meal together once a week, which can then become a special and anticipated moment. Over time, children can even become responsible for a meal that they choose, prepare and serve themselves!
By inviting children into the kitchen, you will not only help develop their cooking skills, but also strengthen their appreciation for food and family meals!
Would you like to have the chance to consult all the content published in the Magazine each month in preview, and to have access to our Toolbox including among other things free downloads as practical as they are fun? Subscribe to the Belles Combines Magazine now!