Have you ever had to cook dinner, and you have your children clawing by your ankles, begging for your attention? You are rushing to maintain your daily evening routines to ensure you have dinner ready on time, so you can get the kids fed, and put them to bed at a reasonable time so you can unwind after a long day. Sorry! Doesn’t look like it’s happening. Because Eve is poking her head right under you, and Elle is crying by your feet, asking you to pick her up.
Tonight, I will try something different. How about Eve and Elle cook with me? For dinner, we have mashed potatoes, baked chicken, and some veggies. We started with the potatoes. I set up Eve and Elle on their learning towers, and to ensure they join me by the counter. And I provide them their own kid friendly utensils, and a potato each. And there you have it.. SILENCE! I am peeling away my potatoes, I am looking at their cute little smiles as they are engaging with their own potatoes, utilizing their fine motor skills, and exercising their independence.
Involving your children is a great way to connect with them, and giving them opportunities to learn and engage with the task you are trying to complete. Have your children cook with you has such a big impact on their development.
Bonding Time:
Cooking with your children strengthens your bond and connection with them. It fosters a sense of togetherness, and promotes collaboration and communication. You can ask open-ended questions such as “what are you cooking?” “how does the potato feel in your hands?”
Life Skills:
Teaching and modelling your children how the process of cooking works in the kitchen can instill valuable life skills that will carry with them into adulthood. They learn about nutrition, food safety, kitchen organization, and independence. The biggest misconception we can have is that our children are too young. We do not want to limit their potential or learning. Set boundaries, and supervision. Safety always comes first.
Confidence:
The excitement and enthusiasm of watching Eve say “Daddy look, I’m cooking!” is all worth it. Allowing children to participate in these valuable activities builds self-esteem and self-confidence. When they witness the final product from their efforts, they will feel a sense of accomplishment.