I'll never forget the day I realized my oldest son Kenneth was learning how to cook. We were in the grocery store so that we could buy the ingredients needed to make chili and he just took over saying things like "We need onions and peppers.", "Don't forget the beans.", and "Do we have the meat?". I let him do the shopping that day and I didn't have to remind him of a single ingredient.
On the way home I began thinking of all the times he'd come whisking into the kitchen as I began to cook, always having the same question for me. "Whatcha cookin'?" If my answer was something he really loved like chili or my special dip he'd reply with "I wanna help." I thought about how much fun we'd both had preparing meals, and just how many questions he asked while we were cooking. It was time with him I cherished.
I still cherish the time I spend in the kitchen with my kids. Kenneth knows how to cook a few meals, but I'd have to say his favorite thing to cook is a grilled cheese sandwich. Chrystian, my three year old, is in the kitchen whenever I am and I always find a job for him even if it is just washing off the top of a can or fetching something from the refrigerator.
I was reminded of the shopping trip with Kenneth this morning when I discovered Teaching Your Kids To Cook by ReluctantGourmet. It's a fabulous lens that urges parents to cook with their children. The ReluctantGourmet gives suggestions for getting children to try new foods, and even shares some great child friendly recipes. If you are reluctant to cook with your kids, I'm sure you will have a change of heart once you have finished this engaging and personal lens.
Visit: Teaching Your Kids To Cook
Image Credit:Kids Monkey apron by slamdunksapparel
Loved your story about how you knew Kenneth was learning to cook. My family has been enjoying Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and we have been having discussions about learning to cook from fresh with my 18 and 21 year olds. It's never too late! And the lens you point to is so important - to start your kids young.
ReplyDelete.-= kimmanleyort´s last blog ..Madman Across the Water =-.
Food gives us some of our fondest and most cherished memories -- especially with our children. The Reluctant Gourmet's article really makes cooking with them a fun enterprise.
ReplyDeleteOh, Kim, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution is a great show! Isn't it just appalling what our children are fed in school?!
Knowing how to cook AND what to cook is going to set kids up so well for their future lives. I think it's fantastic that you have made it a fun activity for your children so that they can't wait to join in and help. ReluctantGourmet has put together such a helpful resource there that I'm sure you'll soon be in good company.
ReplyDelete.-= WordCustard´s last blog ..Angels of Squidoo, Thank You! =-.
Granddaughter Jessica loves to make what she calls "concoctions" but she also likes us to taste them. Not me! Poppy always will try them, tho! She has a good poppy!
ReplyDeleteSo far, the grandchildren's favorite thing to cook is "pigs in a blanket"! Always a cause for celebration!
.-= Joan Adams´s last blog ..Death, Dying and Mary Jim =-.
This really is a totally awesome lens! It made me want to call my son and daughter over for their belated lessons :)
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, my children were with me constantly in the kitchen. My daughter still calls me for help and advice when she is cooking. My college dorm room son has his own refrigerator and microwave in his room, even though they are required to purchase the campus meal plan. I do think it is funny that his tv is really small, but his refrigerator even has a freezer. I believe he has his priorities straight.
Great recommendation and review!
.-= Cynthia V ( Sylvestermouse)´s last blog ..Squid Angel Mouse Tracks =-.