A terrific opportunity for fun, learning, and quality time together may be found in this everyday task. Young children are always eager helpers and curious about the way their world works. Cooking with your kids is a natural and fun experience for everyone!
Benefits include:
- Practice of math skills; early and advanced
- Practice of reading skills
- Use of motor skills; both fine and gross
- Learning where food comes from
- Kids who are more likely to try new foods
- Concept of order and following directions
- Science lessons of liquids vs. solids, mixing, heating, etc.
- Sense of pride and accomplishment
- Quality time together
Tips:
- Safety first! Install childproof devices on the oven, stove controls, and cabinets containing dangerous items. Keep children a safe distance away from the oven when it is open and move hot cookware out of reach.
- Pick up a kid-size apron and let your child decorate it.
- Take out the ingredients and cookware before inviting young children in to help.
- Because of the short attention span of most toddlers and preschoolers, they probably will not stay focused for the entire cooking process. Letting them "help" during the fun pouring and mixing may be all they can handle to begin with.
- Older
kids may assist in getting prepared and doing so will
help them learn their way around the kitchen.
- When cooking with more than one child, keep each busy with a selection of spoons and measuring cups to play with. Have children take turns pouring and stirring.
- Talk
about where the ingredients come from.
Recipes:
Our kid-friendly, simple recipes offer an opportunity for children to help in the kitchen and are generally nutritious.
Muffins/Breads
Breakfast
Cookies
Snacks
Meals
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Contact Us:
danielle@fullcirclechild.com
©Copyright 2009 Danielle Schreck, Full Circle Child
Information on this site is not intended to replace the care or advice of a pediatrition or other healthcare worker. You should consult your doctor regarding your individual healthcare needs.