I love to cook and bake. My kids love to eat! My 9 year old Boston wants to be a chef when he grows up! He loves watching cooking shows, videos and his favorite show is Nailed It. I want to ensure that when they are grown and on their own they know how to cook, especially how to cook their favorite meals that they love here at home.
Cooking is great for children because everyone should know how to cook, even if it is just the basics. Cooking teaches children responsibility, patience and it is also good quality time together. When I cook with my children we can talk, I can listen, and they can share what's on their mind. We can also share a few laughs and giggles when I am cooking with my two toddlers.
I also want my children to know they can cook for themselves and for their families. My 9 year old knows that not only women cook. He sees his Dad cook for us too. He also knows that there are many famous chefs are males so he can be one too.
There are many ways cooking can be educational and fun. When cooking I can teach my children measurements and how to be safe when cooking. Due to the various age ranges of my children I can give them each various tasks around the kitchen. For example, my three year old loves when I chop vegetables, mostly because he wants to eat what is on the cutting board. Soft veggies I allow him to cut with a butter knife and watch him as he watches me.
Food means togetherness in my family. I always want a family dinner with us at the dining room table that my husband built. Enjoy good food, conversation and hearing about each person's day.
I am happy to share my love of cooking with my kids and as much as they love food like myself, I hope they enjoy cooking as they grow. You can always include your children with cooking the family meal. It is a lot of fun and a great learning experience.