|
Dinner begins with the first crack of the refrigerator door. It may start out with a pinch of stress, but if you can catch your breath for just one moment it can turn into the best time you have with your kids all day. Plus, it's never too early to get them excited about cooking and more interested in what they eat. We've got some great ways to engage your budding chefs:
- Give them ownership! If they pick the recipe, they'll have more enthusiasm in participating!
- Take them shopping to pick up the ingredients.
- Don't be worried if they make a mess—that's part of the fun!
- Dress them in clothes that they can mess up (old t-shirts, aprons, etc.). It's fun to dress up, and it's one less thing to worry about.
- Don't worry about the food coming out perfectly. It's more important that they feel involved in the whole process.
- Play music while you are cooking. This isn't about work—it's about having fun and being together.
- Assign jobs. Younger children make great lettuce washers, salad tossers and table setters. For older kids, sauce stirring, mixing, measuring and peeling all fit the bill.
- Let the kids serve the meal. They can pretend they are renowned chefs and speak in faux Italian or French accents. It's a great opportunity to introduce a few foreign language words, too!
|