You don’t have to be an amazing cook or baker to enjoy time in the kitchen with your child. It’s best to include your child on a regular basis. I know some young adults who struggle to prepare their own food. Cooking with a child will take you a little longer in the kitchen, but you will be providing your child with a life skill – and it can be a lot of fun if you follow 3 simple rules…
1) Plan a morning or afternoon where you can enjoy baking together without worrying about the time. (If you are making dinner, plan on times when you are not rushed or do a few things ahead of time.)
2) Read the full recipe beforehand.
3) Make sure you have all the ingredients, measuring utensils, and items you need before you start.
Those 3 steps take away any surprises and allow you to take your time and enjoy baking with your child.
What does your child get out of baking, besides the fun of spending time with you creating something?
Your child gets basic life skills and a head start in mathematics and chemistry. Baking requires developing fine motor skills, which should be coming along at this age. It also requires patience. It is important for children to understand basic safety rules in the kitchen so this is your opportunity to explain the “whys” of the rules while baking.
It’s always fun to make a treat. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious cookie recipes online, not to mention some of the old standbys like banana or zucchini bread. Try baking yeast bread. It’s fun, delicious, and it’s amazing for your child to watch their first batch of dough double in size! Kitchen magic.
There is also the magic for you child, of giving something wonderful that they made in the kitchen, to a friend or relative. It’s a real self-confidence boost.
If you are not a baker, here is a place to start online with some simple recipes and instructions...
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/recipes-for-kids/weekends-at-home/recipes-kids-can-bake
