7 Ways to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

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Learning how to cook is one of life’s most important skills. In the past, it was the norm to have children helping in the kitchen. Nowadays, it’s pretty rare to find kids cooking, and this needs to change. Our country is suffering an eating crisis. Kids and adults are eating more processed foods than ever before.

I want to inspire you to spend more time in your kitchen. If you’re ready for it, I’d love to teach you these 7 ways to get your kids in the kitchen!

My 7 ways to get your kids in the kitchen

1. Involve the kids in the meal prep process

Start by involving your kids in the meal prep process. This sounds vague and like a lot of work. I understand this seems overwhelming, and it definitely can be– at first. However, with time, it’s enjoyable for both the kids and the parents. Here are some things I do to involve my kids:

• Have them help make a grocery list! If they can’t write yet, they can draw the list.
• At the grocery store or farmer’s market, have them help pick out fresh produce and ingredients to make healthy meals. Ask them what vegetables they would like to add to their meals that week. I love taking the kids to the farmers market in our town! It’s amazing to see how excited they are to pick out their farm fresh fruits, veggies, syrup etc.
• Have them help take the groceries inside once home. While this might take extra time, it’s important to give each child a task or two. And once they’re older it’ll pay off as they quickly unload the car!

2. Teach your children about the nutritional benefits of foods

A simple Google search will give you everything you need. If your kid picks out a purple carrot, explain the amazing antioxidant power in that purple carrot. You don’t need many details to get them excited.

3. Let them wash and slice

Let the kids wash the veggies and fruits, cut them up (if you have safe knives and cutters), and try them raw during this process. Lily and Anna love helping me cut mushrooms with their kiddi Kutter knives! They eat lots of them plain without anything on them.

4. Let them measure and mix

If you’re baking, let them measure and mix. I used to be obsessed with keeping my work area clean, but now I’ve gotten away from that. I figure the kitchen is washable, the kids are washable, I am washable, so let them learn. Our messes are fairly small at this point!  I really believe that this direct involvement helps them understand the process, and therefore, they will at least try what we’ve made. I have a pretty high success rate!

5. Start with something fun

Start with something fun and easy like nice cream. My kids absolutely love to make this with me. Once they’re done, they also love to decorate it. Toppings can be more fruits cut into cute shapes, coconut, crushed nuts, granola, etc. When their friends come over we put them in cones,  and they never act like they are eating something other than ice cream. The parents are always shocked that their kids ate food processed frozen bananas mixed with cacao powder!

6. Experiment with colors, flavors, textures, & varieties

My kids all said they didn’t like cauliflower. However, when I mix it into white rice, they love the flavor. They also love when I buy purple cauliflower. It tastes the same, but the color makes all the difference. Make sure to add enough salt, test out different sauces, dips, seasonings, herbs, and homemade dressings. Isabella eats fresh mint and basil by the handful. Your kids will surprise you!

7. Name their dishes

Let your kids name the dishes they’ve helped make, and put it on a family menu. This works really well for kids aged 3 to 6. Bella still occasionally will participate but Annabelle, Lilibean, and  Anthony absolutely love it.

I hope you enjoyed reading my ways to get your kids in the kitchen. A great recipe to start with is our vegan and gluten-free raw chocolate cookies! If you ever have any questions please let me know!

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