Kids In The Kitchen!

Okay, here is something that has been hard for me to understand in my early years of being a mama.

Children LOVE helping out in the kitchen.

They see what mommy and daddy cook, and they want to get creative too! When the whole house is an absolute mess, it can be a chore to cook, and totally unappealing. And what happens in this moment, when one or more of your children come ask if they can help you make food.

I will admit, there have been times where I would flat out say "no." I would create some reason as to why, there's nothing left to help with, I did it already, or I need them set on another task.

Boy, was i mistaken. Those moments were extremely stressful, and rightfully, i needed some space and time away from kids, or they legitimately were set on another task, that I could not pull them away from.

However, there are times where there's nothing else for them to do, and I let my own overwhelm knock down their Creativity.

I am blessed to know, I haven't kicked them out of creativity yet, they still come to me and ask. Which, now understanding what I do, I'm eternally grateful, that my shortcomings didn't destroy them.

These kids CRAVE getting their hands dirty. Getting into mixing things, measuring, creating something from nothing, learning new things, and showing off what they believe they can already do!

We need to feed this excitement!

Here are some key reasons why involving children in the kitchen is so vitally important:

1. Life Skills Development:

• Cooking fosters self-sufficiency and boosts confidence as kids learn to prepare meals. It encourages independence, a sense of ownership and accountability. After allowing my oldest son to learn how to make Certain meals by himself, i will find him in the kitchen making these meals all bt himself, using the stove, strainer, and the whisk. And the confidence on his face is Glowing! He will come into my room/office, ask me what im planning on making everyone for dinner, and if i havent figured it out yet, he suggests that he will prepare dinner for the family himself. And i ALWAYS take him up on the opportunity. And there are times, where he messes it up, he spills ingredients, he dumps out the wrong pot, he forgets important steps, and mom has to come in to the rescue. But hes only 10, and im excited to help him find out what went wrong, and how we can fix the situation.

• I mean, lets be real, I've messed up dinners MANY times and I'm 27!

• Now, my 2 year old and 4 year old need constant supervision. Hahaha! They are super experimental, and will get water and bread all over the place! But they are getting their creative juices flowing! I'm still teaching them how to not drink from the dirty cups in the sink. My 4 year old is currently working on cleaning dishes. But they are So happy when they can accomplish these simple tasks, and they are unlikely to destroy something, in the areas they have been focusing on excelling in.

2. Healthier Eating Habits:

• Involving children in meal preparation promotes awareness of healthy ingredients and balanced diets. My husband loves bringing out the fruits and veggies, and encourages smoothies and juices every morning. Most mornings, breakfasts in our home are superfood smoothies, at the will of the children. They clean the blenders, they combine the fruits and veggies, and powders, and they pour their own cups. The babies need supervision, as I've stated. There will be smoothie messes, but to know they are enjoying the plants that grew from the earth, rather than the boxed cereal I picked from the grocery store, I think we are winning! At least we are in an upward trajectory!

• Kids are more likely to try new foods that they've helped prepare. They used to metaphorically barf at certain fruits and veggies. And they would totally decline. Until my husband and I ninja move these ingredients into their delicious smoothies and dishes they enjoy. And then we explain what ingredients are present. And they start to explore these foods themselves!

• A small tip: explain what textures and tastes are, and how combining different foods, creates different tastes! This will help them come out of their little shells.

3. Bonding and Communication:

• Cooking together creates opportunities for bonding and meaningful conversations. I love cooking in the kitchen with my boys, because I get to understand how they're doing, where they're struggling in their lives, and I can easily suggest things, that can help them, and I won't be met with retaliation!

• Collaborating on meals strengthens family bonds and teaches cooperation. When I can get my 3 older boys in the kitchen together, and let then run the show, I am helping them grow a bond that they have been working on.

4. Educational Benefits:

• When we allow children to help in the kitchen, it enhances math, science, language, and reading abilities through practical application. Did someone say "Time for School!" The time you spend in the kitchen with your children can count for hours in their schooling! This time e

The more we hover, and limit their creativity and abilities, the further we separate our children from each of these points mentioned above. By involving children in the kitchen, parents not only nurture their culinary abilities but also impart valuable life lessons that contribute to their overall development and well-being.

Based on where my children are at, and my observation, I will be creating a list of 'age appropriate ' tasks in the kitchen! Stay tuned!