Engaging children in cooking can be an excellent method to nurture their interest in healthy eating habits. With appropriate supervision, there are typically steps in various recipes that young ones can manage. Plus, if the end result is a tasty treat, it serves as a strong motivator for their involvement.
On weekends, Montreal resident Craig Segal enjoys making pancakes with his three-year-old son, Zack. However, he doesn’t subscribe to the belief that “many hands make light work”; they only cook together when there’s ample time for a leisurely meal preparation.
“It’s an enjoyable activity, and he gains valuable skills,” Segal explains. “Zack is eager to assist. Without prompting, he drags a chair over to the counter to reach the workspace. He cracks eggs, stirs mixtures, and helps transfer chopped berries from the cutting board to the bowl. He pours milk into the batter and disposes of eggshells in the compost bucket. If he behaves properly, he can step up on a chair near the oven to observe the pancakes cooking, but he knows he must get down if he tries to reach for the pan or touch items on the counter.”
Here are some additional suggestions for involving kids in cooking:
- Fun with Food: Renaming dishes can make them more appealing—calling something Squish Squash Burgers is far more exciting than just saying Squash Patties with Beans, Corn, and Pickled Cabbage.
- Shopping Together: Involve children in meal planning and grocery shopping. Allow them to select a healthy recipe and help choose the freshest tomatoes, basil, strawberries, or mint.
- Offer Praise: A genuine “Great job!” is likely to encourage them to participate again.
Recipes
- Zack’s Healthy Pancakes
- Squish Squash Burgers with Sweet Maple Carrot and Cabbage Slaw and Quick Homemade Ketchup
- Mile-High Mission-Style Chicken Burrito with Salsa Fresca and Guacamole
- Freckled Vanilla Ghost Pops
- Pistachio Mousse-Tachios
Child Safety in the Kitchen
Handling Cookware:
Ensure that pot handles are turned inward towards the stove to minimize the risk of them being reached or knocked over.
Maintaining Cleanliness:
Prior to starting any recipe, make sure to wash your hands. Immediately clean your cutting board and knife after handling raw meat or fish to prevent cross-contamination.
Knife Safety:
When not in use, place knives on the opposite side of the cutting board from your body, keeping them as far back from the edge as possible to avoid accidental reaching by small hands.
As children grow old enough to use knives, showcase proper techniques to prevent cuts. Hold the knife in one hand while keeping the fingers (including the thumb) of your other hand curled under, securing the food on the cutting board. The flat side of the knife should be positioned against your hand, aligning between the knuckle and first joint of your finger. Keep the knife tip on the board while chopping.
