Want to have a productive and enjoyable time with your children? Don an apron, select an appropriate dish, and begin cooking! You will receive some guidance from us in the following.
Cooking is also a simple task.
For you, cooking is simply another work, but for your child, it is a game, an enjoyable pastime that, in addition to amusing them, teaches them healthy eating habits. Given that we are confined to the house owing to the coronavirus quarantine, it could be the perfect opportunity to educate your children on the ins and outs of the kitchen.
But where and at what age should you introduce your children to cooking? There are no restrictions, and you may begin while the infant is still in the highchair: let him observe you cooking and touch and explore the textures of the various items you handle. Only time will tell if he is destined to become a brilliant chef; in any event, we shall familiarize the child with the elements that comprise our food.
From then on, we may progressively delegate him fewer responsibilities. Around two or three years old, for instance, kids can attempt to combine the components of a dough, grease a mould, crush a banana with a fork, or help playfully to adorn a dish. It is essential that kids feel involved in the action and enjoy viewing – and consuming – the end outcome. Therefore, being patient and open about the kitchen’s ultimate appearance is preferable.
Guidelines and techniques for cooking with children
Depending on each child’s language proficiency, we can begin cooking with them when they are older. For this reason, knowing a few guidelines and tactics helps ensure the expedition’s success.
– Ensure you have sufficient time, as patience is crucial when cooking with children. It is recommended to make reservations on Friday afternoons or weekends. After picking the time, forget about haste and tension, be educational, and remember that enjoying this activity with your children is more essential than the outcome.
– Pick the recipe together: consult a cookbook or online to select two or three easy-to-prepare recipes you believe your guests would enjoy. Better when illustrated; on our Instagram profile, you’ll find several easy-to-follow examples.
– Whenever feasible, purchase the essential components together. Preparing a list after determining what you currently have at home is recommended to avoid duplication. Once in the grocery store, you may explain to them how to buy healthy foods and where they come from. In these days of limited movement owing to the coronavirus, it will not be feasible, but internet purchasing is always an option.
Before beginning work, it is vital to wash your hands well and tie up your child’s long hair, if applicable. They should also wear an apron or baby; because every precaution is insufficient, they should wear easily washable clothing.
– Review the complete recipe (if they already know how to read, they can do it themselves). Take the chance to clarify any words they may not fully comprehend and to remind them of basic safety precautions: do not approach the stove if it is a gas burner, and do not place your hand on the vitroceramic or induction hob. Always place frying pans with their handles facing inward. Pans should also be kept from the oven while placing or removing items.
It is time to prepare the kitchen! This necessitates that the work surfaces be clean. Afterwards, we will collect the necessary ingredients and cooking implements. Pick those appropriate for the child’s age, those made of wood or plastic if they are extremely little, and those with rounded points. Remember to maintain vigilance and, of course, not abandon them.
– Go through each step of the recipe without skipping any. Using common sense and respecting your kid’s autonomy, you determine what your child can or cannot accomplish based on their age and level of development.
– We have already done, the dish is in the oven or on the stove…, and one of the nicest moments has arrived: to scrape, with a spoon, the tip of a finger, or directly with the mouth, the remnants of what we have created; if it is a chocolate recipe, the pleasure is certain.
– Cleaning and tidying up are also integral components of the cooking process. Prevent your youngster from becoming sluggish and departing early. Explain its significance and include children in these duties so that they become an integral part of the process. He can dry the dishes with a rag and wipe the tabletop with a washcloth.
Make the tasting unique as a reward for your child’s hard work. Assemble the table and savour the fruits of your labours as a family. And remember to praise the chef for his excellent work! What varies from your expectations or did not match the photograph? There will be a next opportunity.
Leave a Comment