Guest blog by YMCA of Central Virginia Association Director of Communications, Misty Vinson-Spitzer
This morning I was on a work call in my makeshift work from home office, also known as my dining room table. This is a picture that I am certain many of you can imagine and easily replicate. Welcome to our new normal.
I was on the phone with a colleague discussing innovative ways to serve our dear members. My colleague broke into laughter, when in the middle of our conversation she heard me shout, "why do I see smoke coming from the kitchen?" It's always nice when a colleague just gets you, am I right?
It was all in good fun as I knew that my kids, ages 17, 14, and 9, were scrambling up some "special recipe omelets." Grilled chicken is the secret ingredient, along with special spices and cheese.
The kids assured me all was well, and then my sweet nine-year-old daughter Rebecca shared some of her super special omelets with me. It was just what I needed to get my day going - protein with a side of teamwork and giggles.
The world seems a little crazy right now, but many of us have been offered an extraordinary gift of more time with our families, something that we rarely get to experience. I encourage you to take some of that time exploring in the kitchen and empowering your kids to create something yummy and satisfying. It could yield a nice payoff in the long run. They will get to learn something new and gain some independence while making memories, and you might get to complete a task undisturbed. ;)
Check out these tips on getting the kids involved in the kitchen and excited about cooking.
5 Helpful Tips To Get Kids Excited About Cooking
- Let your child be in charge. Kids are so used to adults telling them what to do when they are at home, school, or even during sports. Give them the freedom to choose what food they want to prepare. You can lay out a few appropriate options for meals that kids can make, but let them be in the driver’s seat.
- Help them grow a garden. There is nothing more rewarding than making a recipe that comes from ingredients you grew yourself. Whether you make a huge garden, container garden, or grow some fresh herbs in your kitchen, your kids will be excited to help. No yard? Container gardens can be loads of fun.
- Let them help you. When you are making dinner, let your child come in and help. They will love the time they get to spend with you, plus they will be able to have a wonderful teacher!
- Show your kids that cooking is fun. Even if cooking isn’t your most favorite task around the house, don’t treat it like it’s pure misery. If you do, they will follow your footsteps and mimic you.
- Meal plan with your kids. Let them help you plan for meals. Being part of the entire process will give your child an even greater appreciation for cooking.
Thank you Tania at Meraki Lane for these helpful tips!