How to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen

How to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

When it comes to cooking with your kids, the challenge is to get them excited about food, where it comes from, and how to cook it. A child that is well versed in the kitchen has a healthier relationship with food and you can create special memories together. Read our tips on how to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Start early, practice often.

Invest time when your kids are young, curious, and hungry to try new things. Expose them to the best variety of nutritious foods you can because the more experience and food knowledge they get, the more confident they'll be later on when it comes to cooking and eating.

Start small.

Involve your kids with small jobs such as preparing ingredients, picking herbs, or mixing and measuring ingredients at the beginning. Give them small decisions to make and empower them. Soon, they will be ready for the next level - preparing smaller components of a recipe.

Make the time.

No matter how busy your schedule may get, try to always make time to cook together. Keep it simple during the week and get them involved by helping you prepare quick smoothies for breakfast. Save more time for cooking on weekends and make it a special occasion. For example, discuss the menu with them, involve them in shopping and assign responsibilities to them.

Use all the senses.

Get your children to use all their senses and to taste, touch, and smell the ingredients while preparing food. Also encourage them to try different foods; they should understand that they don't have to like everything, but it's always worth giving new, unfamiliar foods a try!