Why I let my kids cook family meals is the realization that my kids can really cook. Quarantine life has made me intentional in getting to know my girls. I have been enjoying the quality time we have together as a family, especially in the kitchen. My oldest has been motivated to cook since she took Family Consumer Science at school. Her favorite thing to make is baking so she has been treating us with some out of this world homemade baked goods. My middle daughter is passionate about making breakfast and lunch for us all and the youngest helps where needed.
From the time my girls could sit in a high chair, I have involved them in the whole process of menu planning, shopping and cooking. They make for the most attentive life students at that age because they can’t go anywhere. In the toddler stage, each of my girls enjoyed their pretend kitchen so under supervision, I will also let them help me in the kitchen.
Why I Let My Kids Cook Family Meals is the excitement they expressed in the kitchen when they were school-aged and have developed fine motor skills to graduate to more responsible tasks. They took pride in dicing or slicing or measuring whenever I asked. Helping in the kitchen should not be forced as their attention span in this age group varies from each child. Some are more eager than others and we should respect that and encourage when needed.
When each of my girls entered third grade, I could tell that they were ready for more challenging tasks in the kitchen so I started putting them in charge of breakfast. I started trusting them to make oatmeal or boiled eggs or omelette with me as a sous-chef. They would wow me with the most creative meal presentation or fruit platter. We ran into some accidents where we ended up with burnt pancakes or sausages but those accidents were necessary stepping stones to reinforce the importance of safety in the kitchen.
When each of the girls entered the double digits at ten years old, lunch became the next task I could see they were ready for. All three girls are in charge of our Saturday brunch of pancakes or waffles with sausage, bacon and fruit galore. Sunday is where I encourage them to get creative and plan lunch for the whole family to their hearts desire. The teen years are where they can be responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner because the skills they acquired up to that age have made them ready to be entrusted to take charge from meal planning to cooking.
Why I Let My Kids Cook Family Meals is the pride I feel every time I see them enjoying the process of .cooking for the whole family. Last Sunday was an example of their yummy creativity. Hubby, my mom and I received an invitation that a new restaurant was open with the best sandwiches in town. Apparently per state guidelines, they only offer curbside pick-up or delivery.
I excitedly called the number on the invitation card because I am a firm believer in supporting local businesses, especially black businesses. The young lady on the phone was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu items so my foodie heart was already rejoicing. I could have a Pick 2 which includes half sandwich and salad. I also had the choice of a sandwich with a side of chips or a kids meal with a side of apple sauce or yoghurt. Our Panera yummy trips paid off during quarantine.
My sandwich was so good, I had to order a second one. My first order was a ham and salami sandwich on french baguette with mayo, stone ground mustard, lettuce, banana peppers, american cheese and a drizzle of italian dressing with a side of chips. My second order was the kids meal and this restaurant is definitely why I Let My Kids Cook Family Meals. The yummy perks that come from teaching your kids practical life skills are great incentives and pay sweet rewards in the long term. It also makes for some wonderful memories in the kitchen that extend for years to come.
