10 Tips for Getting Your Kids Involved in the Kitchen

They say that the key to getting kids to eat healthy is involving them in the growing and preparation of the foods.  Since growing season is in a sad, but factual lull, this is the perfect time to get the kids, no matter their age, involved in the kitchen.

The thing about involving the kids in the cooking process is that it is awesome in theory, not always so awesome in practice.  When you are trying to get a meal on the table after work, but before evening activities begin, it can get a bit stressful.  So, I thought I would put together some pick and choose tips to get the kids in the kitchen, and keep you sane:

1. Menu planning.  Maybe they are not old enough for food prep, or the schedule simply does not allow you to slow down long enough to have them help.  I get it, no judgement.  So, each week when you plan the menu, make a kid’s choice night.  Allow them to choose the menu, complete with sides.  If they are older, you can have them help you write the grocery list that goes into the menu, so that they can see what goes into planning a meal.
2. Food prep.  If you have little ones and time during the day, consider taking some time to do food prep long before the actual mealtime.  Little ones can help wash produce, use the salad spinner, or even toss all of the fixin’s into a big salad bowl.  That way, when mealtime comes, they can still take credit for prep, and you didn’t burn the main course while trying to multitask.
3. Presentation and Table Setting.  Have the kids set the table, and then give them some creative license.  If you have more than one set of dishes, let them choose.  If not, maybe they can choose cloth napkins vs. paper, or maybe give them the choice to drink from wine glasses or regular.  Turn a chore into an expression of creativity.  {If you don’t care where the forks, bowls, etc. go, you can really let them get creative}.
4. When baking, let them measure out the amounts.  Splitting or doubling a recipe is a secret math project for older kids.  For younger kids, just have them retrieve the right cup amount {i.e. “Can you grab me the 1/2 cup?”}, that way, they get used to what the amounts look like.
5. Shopping.  I know that leaving the kids behind so that you can concentrate in the grocery store is like a mini mommy vacation, but getting them involved at the grocery store helps them understand all of the options.  For older kids, you can say, please pick out the vegetables  you would like in your lunches this week…or something like that.
6. Teach older kids {I’m thinking 9 and up} to become experts at one meal.  It can start simple, like PB&J, scrambled eggs, spaghetti, etc. and work its way up as they get older.  Then, when that item is on the menu, they are in charge.  It gives them ownership of the meal, and give you an afternoon or night off.
7. Snack time smoothies.  Smoothies are a super kid-friendly way to get kids to eat healthy.  Having them help you throw everything in the blender and turn it on basically makes them think they made their own snack.
8. Try kid-friendly cookbooks that are both easy recipes, and create a kind of food art.
9. Try to sit down to eat as a family a couple of times a week–especially on nights they have helped with some part of the meal.  Ask for their opinions on the meal.  Ask older kids if they think the flavor “needs something”–it allows them to start thinking in terms of preparation.
10. Get them involved in clean-up.  Toddlers and up can be in charge of at least carrying their plate to the sink.  Older kids can put things back in the fridge, and even pack leftovers for their lunches the next day.  Let’s be real, it’s the least they can do for you for all you do for them. 🙂

I know some of YOU have clever tricks up your sleeve when it comes to getting your kids involved, so make sure to share them in the comments below.

~Mavis