I used to despise spending time in the kitchen. I didn’t like doing dishes, I didn’t know how to cook, and I preferred microwave meals to home cooked ones. Wow! Have things changed. Now I buy lots of fresh organic produce, free-range meats and eggs, and I enjoy coming up with new interesting creations and cooking traditional foods. And for some reason I want to put cumin on everything.
Thinking back, I can identify a couple of things that produced the shift for me. First, I read “Peace is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh. There’s a passage where he talks about enjoying the present moment even in the mundane activities of life like washing dishes. I immediately began to ENJOY doing dishes! I luxuriated in the warm soapy water and felt a deeper sense of accomplishment than I ever could have anticipated from the simple act of doing dishes.
And then I moved in with my husband to be (we’re getting married in 6 weeks!). As soon as I moved in with him I noticed a strong desire to learn to cook welling up in me. I wanted to feed us delicious, nutritious foods.
So, I began to learn the art of cooking. It feels a little funny to be writing about cooking since I’m still so new at it, Jill is the real chef of the two of us. But what I do bring to the table is the ability to modify cooking activities into interesting and age-appropriate activities for kids of all ages.
Think of your child as the apprentice chef in your kitchen.
Finding food preparation activities that are challenging and fun for your child can meet his needs to contribute and learn while meeting your needs for nutrition and teamwork.
Here are some cooking and food preparation activities to try this week.
For 12-18mo. Olds– Mashing! – Give your little one a cool well-cooked potato, carrot, or squash and a potato masher in a medium sized bowl. Set her up in a highchair where she’s secure. And let her mash away!
18mo.-2yrs– Beginning Pouring/Dishwashing– Washing dishes is an integral part of food preparation and kids this age LOVE water play. Fill the sink with 6 inches of tepid soapy water and some plastic dishes. Push a chair, stool, or learning tower up to the sink. Supervise to be sure the water is staying in the sink. Invite your child to put the “clean” dishes in the other side of the sink and rinse with cold water. To get a little more time out of this activity, ask your child to dry the dishes and put them away (if possible).
3 Years Old–Spreading–Provide your child with 4-6 crackers, a small bowl with about 2 tablespoons worth of peanut butter or other spreadable food, and a child-sized spreader (see the link below).
4 Years Old–First Cutting/Slicing Activity–Steamed carrots or bananas are excellent beginner’s cutting activities. Use a safety knife like this or butter knife. Help your child wash hands thoroughly. Provide a tray with moist sponge, two saucers, a small cutting board and safe knife. Place full pieces of banana or steamed carrots on one saucer. Show your child how to slice and avoid contact with the “sharp” edge. As you cut slices set them on the second saucer in a pleasing array. Then eat!
There are countless other cooking activities you can do in your home every day. So, get creative and have fun in the kitchen. I’d love to hear about your favorite food prep activities. Please leave your comments in the box below.
Hugs, Shelly
My kids love to cook! Even before they started chopping with butter knives they shredded lettuce with their hands. Mixing and stirring is another activity they love. They also love kneading–bread doughs and pizza doughs. I set out bowls of ingredients and they make their own pizzas, burritos, fruit salads, etc. FUN!!!
My oldest is now 7 and he is majorly into cooking. He says he’s going to open up a restaurant one day. He enjoys food and is fascinated with how it’s prepared. We’re working on fanning the flame of his interest.
I’m so excited to hear that you’re cooking with your kids! Thank you for giving your kids the opportunity to follow their interests in a way that contributes to the whole family. I love it that your 7 yo wants to open a restaurant, and if he’s consistently encouraged to follow his interests, I bet he will!
Shelly’s last blog post..Cooking with kids: How preparing food for ourselves and our families contributes to everyone’s well-being.