How to Get Your Kids Cooking With You

Making your children a part of things in the kitchen is so very important. There's just something very special about having your kids share in transforming favorite dishes into delightful, edible creations.

Below are some fun ideas to help encourage your children to want to help you in preparing daily meals and other special treasures.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Give each of your children their very own special kitchen chore such as cleaning off the table, setting the table, or gathering ingredients. Younger children do better with one-step, uncomplicated chores.

2. Provide each child with their very own step stool high enough to reach the counter or table. This will make them feel more grown up.

3. Purchase a small chef's hat for each child (preferably with their name on it). Your children will really appreciate this and it will also help make them feel that they are a part of things and special.

4. Purchase individual cooking tools such as brightly-colored, plastic utensils for measuring and mixing ingredients. Choose different colors for each child. This will help prevent fighting.
   
   Take your children with you when you go to purchase these tools. Make it a fun outing and maybe go out for lunch afterwards.

5. Prepare finger foods such as chicken nuggets. These are always a big hit with children. Make it a habit of always keeping a few batches in the freezer. Foods on a stick such as various types of skewers are also popular with kids as well as homemade pizza. Homemade pizza can be lots of fun using lots of variations of toppings and cheeses. Try and be creative and prepare fun foods that you think your children will find enjoyable.

6. Assign each child clean-up tasks. A good idea for cleaning up the kitchen is using sticker charts. Make up a chart with each child's name and chore. If your children does their special clean-up chore (without complaining or whining), award them with a special sticker. Make a sticker chart up for each day of the week.
   
   Using the tips above will help get your kids in the kitchen with you. The experience of it will be rewarding and fun for both you and your child. Plus this is an excellent learning opportunity for them.

[Kilogramm]

on 8/28/2008 This is a great how to, will be using these tips!

[TeryLynne]

on 8/12/2008 Great article and wonderful tips. 5*

[TeryLynne]

on 8/12/2008 Great article and wonderful tips. 5*