Little Chef’s
I read in the paper the other day, our generation (today’s mom’s and dad’s) do not know the basic steps of cooking. That we complain we have no time to be in the kitchen to make food for our families, yet we spend an average of 4 hours in front of the TV a day. While I’m sure this doesn’t apply to anyone reading this blog, it got me thinking though if I was doing a good enough job teaching my kids how to cook.
I invited the flip-flopper to the counter to help me make dinner the last few nights. I said, “When you are a mom, you are going to need to know how to cook!” So, she pulled out an old spiral bound notebook, put page numbers throughout the ENTIRE thing, and asked me to spell each and every ingredient for our salad (the recipe she is holding was a bread recipe). Then she started an index. I thought it was so stinkin cute, I wanted to rush out and buy her her very own CUTE recipe binder where she can collect her favorite recipes until she leaves home. I resisted however, and decided to let her do it her own way. She doesn’t know any better.
It is more difficult and time consuming to let your kids help you in the kitchen. But studies show, if they do, they are more likely to eat healthier, and when they leave home they will prepare healthier meals for their own famlies. And the cycle of health continues….
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Posted: May 28th, 2008 under Ideas and Issues.
Tags: free ideas for healthy kids, healthy food for kids, healthy ideas, kids prepare their own food
Comments
Comment from Autumn
Time May 28, 2008 at 7:31 am
You’re such a great mom Amy! I have so little patience when it comes to my kids helping in the kitchen! I’m going to try to be better. Camry loves to help.
Comment from Lisa
Time May 28, 2008 at 8:56 am
I totally agree! A’s favorite time is helping me with dinner. Granted, she’s not even 4 yet but she’s usually asking to do SOMETHING. She even calls herself Chef A! Some days are easier than others to let her help but I try. Hopefully she’ll be just like flip-flopper when she’s older 
Comment from Whitney
Time May 28, 2008 at 10:36 am
I agree Amy. We do pass on our attitudes about food to our kids. And I want my kids to be competent in the kitchen someday. (Looks like we were thinking along the same lines today.)
Comment from Kristie
Time May 28, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I know it is so important, and it is good to be reminded. sometimes having the kids help just makes it more difficult! But they love to help and it is good for them to learn. Thanks for a good reminder!
Comment from Amy
Time May 28, 2008 at 5:08 pm
As always; thanks Mom
Autumn, it is easier for me to cook with the daughter, than the boys. Stick with Camry for now. The boys can help later.
Lisa, you are good to start them so young. They really do like to feel important.
Whitney, yes, we are on the same wavelength. probably sisters in a past life.
Kristie, I need to remind myself too. It’s easy to just do day to day things yourself. It dawned on my husband and I the other night how we forget to teach our kids things we assume they would know, like changing their underwear every day. Everything needs to be taught.
Comment from Lisa
Time June 1, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I’m flabbergasted when my boys ask me WHY they should changed their underwear . . . even after a bath. EW gross! Looks like I’ve still got some work to do.
Comment from Amy
Time June 2, 2008 at 5:13 am
Lisa; it’s almost like we have to teach them EVERYTHING! What are we, their mothers or something?! ha, ha
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Time November 18, 2008 at 4:01 am
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Comment from Susan Bankhead
Time May 28, 2008 at 6:10 am
She’s just like her mother at that age! So perfectly organized. I’m impressed. Amy, you’re doing a fantastic job teaching your children.