LET THE KIDS ENJOY THE ART OF MAKING FOOD

My little niece will always play around the kitchen with her little fingers. One day she requested to stir the noodles I was preparing for her. The next day she wanted to make it her self. Let your kids into the studio where the delicious food they enjoy is made. You may worry about the little mess here and there but these tips will help you scale through.

Tips On How To Make Kids Enjoy Cooking

 1. Take your time - expect everything to take longer than usual. Set aside extra time for cooking and be aware, that the journey is fun for your kids

2. Expect a lot of mess - cooking is a messy business there'll be even more when kids are in the picture.  Put a plastic tablecloth down on the floor or a tray underneath their work area however, you'll all have more fun if you just let the mess happen and then clean up together at the end.

3. Plan ahead - select one recipe that they'll enjoy and that involves plenty of action that are suitable for their age. Make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment ready. Do some preparation before you ask them to join you.

4.Get them ready - put them in clothes that are easy to wash, put an apron on them and cover their hair.

5. Teach children about food hygiene - ensure they wash their hands before cooking and in while cooking especially after touching raw food.

6. Talk through the recipe - you can get them to read out the steps beforehand and get what will be needed, talk through the steps and assign duties to them. You can as well explain what you're making and show pictures to help them understand.

7. Touching and tasting - this will make the experience enjoyable for them, plus it's a good opportunity to teach children which foods are safe to eat raw. Ask them to use a clean spoon to taste, not fingers and stirring spoons.

8. Age and ability - children's recipes have guidelines but look at your own child and recognise what they are capable of doing. There are always activities for every child, even if it's just messing around in the sink washing vegetables and plastic containers.
Most importantly;

Make it fun! Children will learn to love cooking if you are relaxed and have fun with them in the kitchen. If you feel nervous, start with basic meals. Only step in when it's necessary, otherwise let them enjoy and create.

Be sure to lavish them with compliments on how well they are doing this will create a sense of self confidence and pleasure related to cooking.

Make it fun! Put on their favourite song!

Cooking does not have to be so serious and your kids will appreciate the one on one attention. Everybody loves a fun and exciting teacher.
Stay healthy!