Cooking With Kids Can Be Educational
The biggest benefit a parent can derive from cooking with kids has really nothing to do with cooking as such. It’s the opportunity to spend time together engaged in a useful activity, and is a great way to bond. But, that aside, cooking with kids gives them a chance to learn many things in addition to preparing food properly.
For pre-school children who are curious by nature, cooking with kids introduces them to the kitchen, the appliances and tools used in cooking. It’s a great time to teach them safety, the do’s and don’ts of handling knives and other tools and the right way to store things. Teaching them to pour and stir helps develop their motor skills. Counting and measuring when cooking with kids is an excellent way of introducing them to mathematical concepts. Cooking with kids also opens up windows for teaching them about cooperation, team work and socializing.
Kids’ cookbooks
Here are 4 great books for cooking with kids. Simple recipes that kids love and that are simple to make. Click on the book cover image to buy them on amazon.
Cooking Fun: 121 Simple Recipes to Make with Kids
Classic American recipes from grandma’s kitchen are the inspiration for this children’s cookbook offering 121 recipes for simple and wholesome food. Inspired by vintage cookbooks from the 20s and 30s it is designed to appeal to the eye as well as the stomach. Included are beverages, sandwiches, soups, simple suppers, quick breads, cakes and cookies, and even some child-friendly veggies. The recipes are clearly presented with easy-to-follow steps teaching children how to make these nutritious recipes from scratch.
Kids in the Kitchen: Fun Food
Is your tummy growling? Are you faint with hunger? Why not make yourself something satisfying! With Williams-Sonoma Fun Food, youngsters age 8 and up can make a meal for the whole family — and learn about cooking along the way. There are more than 25 scrumptious ideas inside!
Mom and Me Cookbook
With basic cooking techniques and tips, simple first recipes, and tasty, nutritious meal ideas, Annabel Karmel’s new family cookbook helps children ages three and up work with their parents to prepare a yummy array of favorite foods.
Kids’ Fun and Healthy Cookbook
Put the fun back into healthy eating with this bright and colorful cookbook. This lively collection encourages kids to consider what they eat and how it affects their bodies, without preaching. Yummy interpretations of old classics, as well as new recipes destined to become classic help turn eating into a delicious treat.
Healthy Eating and Cooking with Kids
Check out this video series of 3 videos dealing with healthy eating and cooking with kids.
Healthy Eating and Cooking with Kids- part 2
Safety Tips for Cooking with Kids
CAUTION: Children at Work!
- Wash your hands! Make sure every child washes his/her hands before cooking — and washes them again anytime they sneeze, use the bathroom or cough. It’s never too early to instill good sanitary habits!
- Choose your projects carefully. Consider both the age and ability of your children when choosing a recipe. When my son was 18 months old, he loved sitting in his highchair decorating cookies. Now that he’s 8, he can read a recipe by himself and is ready to use the blender with assistance.
- Organize projects ahead of time. To avoid having your kids squirm while waiting for you to find the flour, sugar and spices, get the ingredients and any necessary utensils ready before the kids march into the kitchen.
