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Life Lessons In The Kitchen

By: Jennifer Hurley

Of the many household chores that kids can get their hands on, cooking is definitely one of the most enjoyable. It is a great activity where kids can take pleasure in their creations and express themselves. And when you will look closely at how happy kids can be when given a chance to help in the kitchen, you will surely agree that cooking is fun for them.

When deciding what recipes to make with kids, you have to consider something simple that will not call for a lot of preparation. Start with small kids cooking recipes where you can have discussions about safety like handling sharp knives or blades and which surfaces are hot and dangerous. Also, when you choose to prepare simple dishes and allow them to help, getting it done on this first try is more likely which will encourage them to try some more. Just take note that when you decide to share kitchen time with the little ones, you will not be preoccupied with other responsibilities so that you can give them your undivided attention while cooking together.

Cooking with children is not just all about fun. As a matter of fact, you can teach them the value of self-reliance that will make them better a person when they grow up. Cooking is a valuable skill that they can use until they are old enough to have children of their own. By teaching them the basics in the kitchen, they would soon be able to feed themselves when they set out to live their lives as adults. A lot of people these days rely on junk foods, canned goods and take-out meals simply because they were not taught how to deal with kitchen stuff. And surely, any parent would not be pleased to see their children feeding on unhealthy food.

Kids cooking recipes is also a good way to let them understand the uses of science and mathematics in day to day living. While working on a recipe, you can explain to your kids about fractional quantities and combining these ingredients to come up with something delicious. There is no better way to explain fractions than half a cup of sugar, a quarter of an apple and anything of the sort.

Another thing that you, as a parent, can do while cooking recipes kids can make is boost their self-esteem. Children will develop their self-confidence if they have successfully accomplished a certain task. Just choose simple recipes to make with kids, and when you appreciate their cooking see how their faces lighten up into a wide beam.

These days, most kids spend their time in front of the TV or playing video games. If you are one of those parents who want your children to practice being productive, then why not try to let them help you out in preparing simple recipes kids can make? You might get the surprise in your life seeing how kids love being little chefs.

Even at a very young age, children can take part in kitchen activities for as long as there are adults around to supervise. With proper guidance, children can be taught how to whip up a recipe or two so they will learn to appreciate the art and beauty of cooking.

About the Author:

Jennifer Hurley (jen at activities-4-all-kids.com)
http://www.activities-4-all-kids.com