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Kids in the Kitchen

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on October 8, 2013

By the time your children can climb up on a kitchen stool, it is time to introduce them to the world of good nutrition. It is also a great time to share quality time together in our busy world. Working in the kitchen with Mom or Dad is one of the best ways to acquaint your children with the knowledge to prepare a simple recipe. For the young eater, they become involved in decision-making and the skill development necessary to begin helping in the kitchen. They learn negotiating skills, use their creative thinking, and become actively involved with the food they are going to eat. Research has shown that picky eaters become more likely to eat a formerly disliked food when they actively participate in its production. In addition, they learn about colors, textures, tastes, numbers, and language skills.

Start with easy to make recipes that your child will not struggle with. Generally, children can begin helping in the kitchen at the age of two. When you are starting out, have your child do things that are easy to do. Have them break the ends off of green beans, mash avocados, or take off the tops of strawberries. Have them dip their vegetables in a miniature bowl of reduced calorie dressing or eat them plain.  Reduce your time picking up fast food by planning out your meals weekly, using a shopping list, and thinking of creative ways to involve your children in meal preparation.

Try eating one meal each day with the entire family. Spend time discussing each other’s day and what each member did. Eating meals together that have been prepared together is a good way to encourage family unity. It will go a long way in enhancing your relationship with your children as well as improving your health.

For more information on planning meals, try our book, Too Busy to Diet.