The other night we had so much fun making dinner as a family… I am LOVING getting my kids more involved in the kitchen! Not only are they learning great life skills (how to cook, nutrition, teamwork, etc.)… but, they are working together and also enjoy the responsibility! It is amazing to me how much better they eat when they play a part in creating what they are eating.
So – Friday night, we BBQ’d cheesburgers (I know – super healthy!) … My 6 year old was totally into making the patties. We added all sorts of spices and sauces – I don’t think we will every be able to recreate the wonderful taste of the final meal!! But, it is the memory that counts, right? What I remember… we added a little salt, pepper, garlic, onion, BBQ sauce and who knows what else… mixed it in a bowl with our bare hands (she loved this part!) and then made 6 patties. I should have known to buy more ground hamburger… lesson learned.
While she was helping me make the patties… hubby started up the grill, and I got my 3 year old putting a little bit of butter on the buns so we could toast them ever so slightly. He was too cute… my ‘little bit of butter’ and his ‘little bit of butter’ are quite different. So, my 6 year old helped him add some and spread it around… precious!
Once the grill was hot, my 9 year old helped dad put the patties on the grill. The rest of us set the table and pulled out our favorite burger toppings and condiments… Of course, my 3 year old pulled out the salsa, applesauce, salad dressing, cream cheese… I mean, what is a cheeseburger without salad dressing on it? LOL… after a little help we had the table all set with toasted buns, appropriate condiments, potato salad… oh and we had sauteed zuchinni too – YUM!
Everyone in the family had a part to play in preparing for this meal… and everyone ate it all up! I couldn’t believe it! Usually, even if he helps, my 3 year old is a bit finicky with his food… but, he built his little burger on the bun – and ate the whole thing… including everything on his plate.
I think sometimes parents are a bit intimidated about having their kids help in the kitchen… it can take longer because you might have to go back over what the child did… but, they love it when we trust them to help prepare something – the pride they take in their creation is priceless! And, if you miss it while they are preparing the food – just point out while you are eating all the goodies that they helped make. My 3 year old thought is was so cool that he helped spread the butter on the buns — and then got to see how they turned out because of his help.
I’m definitely including my kids in the kitchen as much as I can from now on… but, next on my list… teaching them how to clean it!!
Do you let your kids help in the kitchen? What is your favorite meal to make with them?
