Getting your kids to wash fruit, stir ingredients in a bowl, knead dough or simply lay the table, is the best way to help them build healthy eating habits. In fact, studies show that children often prefer eating the food they make themselves. When children help in the kitchen, they’re more willing to try new foods; expanding their palate from chicken fingers to Chicken Kiev is almost guaranteed. In a world where obesity is on the rise, and making good food choices is challenging, educating our kids about the importance of a balanced diet is essential. Consider making the following adjustments to make your kitchen more accessible so that your budding chef(s) feel welcome.
Keep Basic Items within Reach
Ensure basic tools and ingredients are accessible. Mixing bowls, pots and pans should be stored in lower cabinets underneath the counter. For all other ingredients, a sturdy step stool may be the answer.
Think Safety where Possible
Slip-proof mixing bowls are a must-have for kids in the kitchen. Bowls with rubberized bottoms help to keep them from slipping off the counter when kids are whipping up batter. Look for non-skid cutting boards too. Sure to limit spills, these slip-proof options are much safer for inexperienced cooks.
Cookbooks Written for Kids are Fun!
Dig out your treasured Nancy Drew Cookbook: Clues to Good Cooking circa 1973, or the award-winning Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Classic Stories. Kids will be delighted to share recipes from your past. Looking for something new? MasterChef Junior Cookbook is a fan-favourite as is the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz (a must-have for every Potter fan).
Kid-sized Utensils are Empowering
Mini roller, colourful measuring cups, a rainbow whisk and a fun monkey peeler are just the tip of the all-things-mini-iceberg! Giving kids their own cooking tools can inspire them to really start experimenting in the kitchen – the first signs of a true chef!
PRO TIP: Be sure to have kids wash their hands before and after helping in the kitchen. Be patient with spills and mistakes. And, remember, helping with clean-up is part of the deal.
Photo by Pixabay
