Little Chefs, Big Benefits: The Importance of Cooking with Kids

Published 03 June 2024 at 10:35

Tickikids Blog Singapore >  Parenting >  Little Chefs, Big Benefits: The Importance of Cooking with Kids

Many parents hesitate to involve young children in cooking due to concerns about messiness, slow progress, and the presence of dangerous objects in the kitchen. Undoubtedly, it's crucial to prioritise safety—only older children should handle sharp tools and hot surfaces independently. Cooking with children often takes longer due to their inexperience and the need for supervision, which can be challenging for moms with limited time. The mess, however, is a minor inconvenience compared to the joy and valuable lessons gained from cooking together and enjoying a delicious meal!

When is the perfect time to start cooking with your kids?

Cooking together with your child greatly boosts their cognitive development. As children assist in the kitchen, they acquire essential life skills, develop a sense of responsibility, and foster independence. Don't miss out on the joy—begin cooking together as soon as you can!

• For children aged 2-4 years, engaging in simple tasks like moulding dough and cutting out shapes with cookie cutters can be delightful, as they have already developed these skills through play in the sandbox!
• Kids aged 5-8 years can become more helpful by managing tasks such as cutting ingredients and weighing them on kitchen scales, and preparing muffin tins for baking.
  
• By ages 9-12, children are typically familiar with basic kitchen appliances like the electric kettle and microwave. They are ready to learn how to use more advanced tools such as the mixer and oven.
  

Image Credit: Midjorney

Young children often find cooking fascinating not just because of the food itself, but also due to the engaging and dynamic process involved. The appeal lies in the sensory experiences of touching, smelling, and tasting different ingredients, as well as the creativity in combining them. This interest extends beyond a mere desire to make a mess! Instead, children are motivated by the opportunity to learn, explore, and create something tangible that they can be proud of. Cooking provides a platform for kids to experiment, follow steps, and see the results of their efforts, making it a rewarding and educational activity.

Small children can become deeply engaged and serious about the dishes they are preparing. They also demonstrate a strong desire to maintain neatness and precision in their cooking. If they are genuinely interested and motivated to prepare yummy food for their family, believe that they will take great care to follow instructions and avoid making a mess. This drive is fueled by a genuine interest in crafting something delicious and presentable. The kids are happy to see their efforts come to fruition, knowing that the food they made is REAL and tangible! Children take great pride in eating food they’ve made themselves. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to take on more cooking tasks in the future.

Key Benefits of Cooking with Kids

Home cooking with kids offers a treasure trove of valuable and important lessons that go beyond the kitchen!

The kitchen is a perfect place for children to unleash their creativity. They can experiment with flavours, textures, and presentations, learn about different ingredients, food groups, fostering healthier eating habits. Exploring different cuisines and recipes from around the world can teach children about various cultures and traditions, broadening their understanding and appreciation of global diversity!

Recipes require careful following of steps and instructions. This teaches children develop their ability to follow directions, focus on tasks, and improve their attention to detail. Measuring ingredients, understanding proportions, and observing chemical reactions help children apply math and science concepts in a practical, hands-on way. 

Cooking together as a family fosters teamwork and enhances communication skills. Children learn to share tasks, ask for help, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Perhaps most importantly, cooking together creates cherished family memories. The shared experiences of preparing and enjoying meals together strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of togetherness and love.

How to Motivate Kids to Cook

Involving your children in the entire cooking process, from planning meals to dining together, can be an enriching and educational experience! 

You can begin by watching popular cooking shows together that feature young master chefs. Seeing cooking portrayed as exciting and achievable on screen can inspire your child to want to replicate the success of their favourite TV personalities. Additionally, consider exploring your favourite YouTube channels that offer special recipes tailored for cooking with children.

Video Credit: Food Network Magazine Kids Cooking Club

Shopping food with kids can be a good start! Create a shopping list together when planning an occasional dish. Study your favourite cookbook and discuss the ingredients needed. At the grocery store, involve your kids by letting them find items on the list. Use this opportunity to teach them about different food groups, how to read nutrition labels, and make healthy choices. Give older kids a small budget for certain items and let them manage it: this introduces them to budgeting and the cost of groceries.

Meal planning and nutrition teaches children the basics of balanced and healthy eating. Involve them in choosing fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains for meals. Discuss why a varied diet is important for health. Educate kids on appropriate portion sizes and the importance of not wasting food. Make meal planning fun with themed nights, such as Taco Tuesday or Pasta Night. Let the kids help pick recipes and ingredients, encouraging them to try new foods and cuisines.

Setting up a kid-friendly kitchen at home is important when thinking about cooking together. At least during cooking time, you should ensure your kitchen is safe for children. Store sharp objects and hazardous materials out of reach. Designate a lower cabinet or drawer for kid-friendly cooking tools and ingredients. Invest in child-sized utensils and cookware - especially since the little pans, pots, and pastry sets in bright colours look so cute - you just want to buy them! Having tools that fit little hands makes it easier and safer for kids to help.

Always try to find ways to dine together. Aim to have at least one meal together as a family each day: family meals foster communication and provide a routine that kids can rely on. Involve everyone in the process - let kids set the table, pour drinks, or serve food. These small tasks give them a sense of responsibility and involvement. Make mealtime special by keeping it free of distractions. Encourage conversation and sharing about each other’s day, enhancing the family bond.

Lunchboxes for School, Picnics or Long Walks

Lunchbox preparation is another excellent way to introduce children to cooking. It offers a manageable, low-pressure environment where they can learn and take pride in their culinary efforts. Instead of rushing through lunch prep in the hectic morning hours before school, begin by preparing lunchboxes for leisurely activities like picnics or long walks. This way, there’s plenty of time for children to participate without the stress of a tight schedule. Once kids are comfortable preparing picnic lunches, transitioning to making school lunches becomes easier.

Image Credit: freepik

Encourage creativity by letting kids use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches, decorate lunch bags, or make fruit skewers. Kids can use their imagination endlessly, decorating sandwiches and turning them into funny animals and fairy tale creatures! This makes the process more fun and gives them a sense of ownership over their creations. Preparing lunchboxes together is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children.

Easy Steps to Set Up a Burrito Party for Teenagers

Hosting a burrito party for teenagers is a fun and easy way to create a memorable gathering. You can encourage your teenager to invite friends and organize this event! However, they should first learn the process by arranging a similar party for the family with your assistance.

Image Credit: depositphotos

• Provide a variety of tortillas, including flour, whole wheat, and gluten-free options.
• Offer a range of proteins like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled steak, and black beans for vegetarians.
• Prepare a selection of fillings such as rice, refried beans, sautéed veggies, and corn.
• Set out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and olives. Include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce for added flavour.
• Ensure all vegetables and toppings are chopped and ready to go. Another option is to have guests do the cutting of colourful fruits and vegetables together! Fillings that require light frying should be prepared in advance with your child's help to make assembly quick and easy.
• Keep tortillas warm and soft by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a low oven.
• Set up a burrito bar: Arrange ingredients in a buffet-style setup, starting with tortillas and followed by fillings, toppings, and condiments. Use small signs or labels to identify each ingredient, making it easy for guests to customise their burritos.
• Plan some simple games or activities to keep the party engaging, such as a burrito wrapping contest or a trivia quiz!

National Dish Prepared at Home with the Kids

Teaching kids to respect and appreciate national cuisine is essential. It fosters cultural awareness, enhances their understanding of traditions, and encourages a sense of pride in their heritage. The most famous dish of Singaporean cuisine is Hainanese Chicken Rice. This beloved national dish consists of poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chili sauce and usually with cucumber garnishes. It is a simple yet flavourful meal that highlights the culinary influences of China. The dish is renowned for its fragrant rice, cooked in chicken stock with garlic and ginger, and its tender, succulent chicken. Hainanese Chicken Rice is widely available in hawker centres and restaurants throughout Singapore and is a must-try for visitors and locals alike. However, it's entirely possible to prepare this warm and comforting dish at home with the kids!

Image Credit: Midjorney

Enjoying this simple yet delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice as a family is a wonderful way to create cherished memories around the dinner table. The process of preparing the meal together—from washing the rice to mixing the sauces—offers a chance to bond and share laughter. As everyone gathers to savor the fragrant rice and tender chicken, the conversation flows, and the joy of a homemade meal brings everyone closer. This culinary experience becomes more than just a dinner; it's a treasured family moment filled with love and togetherness.

Simple Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe for a Family Dinner

Involve the kids in age-appropriate tasks, such as washing the rice, mixing ingredients for the sauces, and setting the table. Share stories and laughter while cooking together, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable!

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
  
• 5 slices of ginger
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 3 stalks of green onions, cut into halves
• Salt

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
  
• 4 slices of ginger
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken)

Cooking the Chicken:

Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the chicken. Add ginger slices, garlic cloves, and green onions to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Rub the chicken with salt, then carefully place it into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for about 40 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Save the chicken broth for cooking the rice.

Preparing the Rice:

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the reserved chicken broth (4 cups) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Ginger-Garlic Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, stirring until lightly browned. Set aside.

Chili Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, garlic, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.

Serving: Slice the chicken into serving pieces. Serve the chicken on a platter with the fragrant rice. Provide the dipping sauces on the side for everyone to enjoy. Optionally, garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Encourage kids to help with serving the dish, allowing them to take pride in the meal they helped prepare. Enjoy this simple yet delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice as a family, creating cherished memories around the dinner table!

Cooking is a fundamental life skill that children will use throughout their lives. Learning to prepare meals equips them with the ability to feed themselves and others, promoting self-sufficiency and confidence. By incorporating these practices, you can make cooking and eating together a central, joyful part of family life, helping children develop a healthy relationship with food, fostering family unity, and creating lasting memories.