Involving your child in meal preparation is a fun way to get them engaged in food. This is an easy way to reduce the stress around cooking meals and feeding your family. It also encourages independence and food tolerance in your kids.
Why Engage Your Child’s Interest in Food Preparations?
We know that meal preparation day after day can feel like a chore, just something you have to get done that day. But I’m sure you can remember a time it wasn’t that way. If you think way back, remember when cooking was fascinating? When you wanted to explore foods, flavors and cooking techniques? Take your food preps to your kids and it can be that way again.
Your kids already want your attention and they want to see what you’re doing, so satisfy their curiosity by getting them to help you with meal preparation. Take it to them at their level. Bring your meal preps to a table where they can see what’s going on. Or raise them up to the counter where they can have their own spot and participate.
Get them engaged by letting them:
- Stir or mix foods
- Crack eggs
- Retrieve ingredients
- Wash vegetables
- Chop vegetables or fruits
- Ask questions and talk about the food
The Benefits of Involving Your Child in Meal Preparations
The benefits of this cooperative activity can be subtle but can add up to a better relationship between your child and food. You may see these effects:
- By involving your kids in meal preparations, they’re not an annoyance, they are helpers.
- With every meal, you’re building positive experiences around food.
- They’ll be proud of what they made, even if it was made for others.
- There can be greater bonding between parents and children.
After the meal is made, sit down together. Add a little of what they cooked to their plate without pressuring them to eat it.
There are many child-friendly cooking utensils that can be helpful as well to increase their independence while also having safe boundaries. If the day feels too hectic, try introducing weekend cooking with mom and dad. Weekdays can feel rushed so try to focus on these activities when you are relaxed and have the most time to enjoy it and don’t feel rushed.
Need More Food-Related Help with Your Kids?
If you want more information on how to involve your kids in cooking in a safe and manageable way, come on in and talk to us at JLD Therapy and we can give you some more tips. If you need help with a child who’s always stressed at mealtime and has limited tolerance for foods, we can help there too. Call us at (408) 337-2727.
About Marilyn Frazier
Marilyn became a therapist in 2017 and has a wide variety of clinical experience. She’s played a role in schools, private pediatric clinics, nursing homes, adult outpatient, and in-home health, serving all ages. Private pediatrics, however, is where Marilyn’s heart truly is.
About Elise Weidner
Elise earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a certificate in Disability Studies. She has experience working with pediatric populations with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, TBI, Cerebral Palsy, and Sensory Processing disorders. Elise became an OT because she saw a great need for creating space for those with different needs and talents.