Cooking up a closer relationship with your kids
How delightful FOR a mother when her children want TO cook AND take over THE meal preparation FOR her. It also can BE a time OF companionship when Mom AND children work at cooking projects together. But it does take a great deal OF patience TO let young cooks into your kitchen. Often it would BE quicker AND easier TO do THE work yourself. However, THE rewards are worth it, if you will let your kids become involved IN your cooking. I realize I was fortunate as a child because Mother encouraged my sister AND me TO cook as soon as we took an interest IN THE culinary arts. I've discovered that many mothers discourage their children from cooking AND making a mess OF THE kitchen. But once your children are old enough TO really cook, both Mom and youngsters can HAVE enjoyable experiences. My daughter Beth has always BEEN interested IN cooking ever since she was old enough TO stir a spoon around IN a bowl. 5454
A beginning activity
As a learning activity, you might let a very young child HAVE an empty plastic or stainless steel bowl AND a wooden spoon. While you mix your ingredients, THE youngster can stir a bowl OF imaginary ingredients on THE floor or at THE counter beside you. 4787
Easy starter recipes
Even spreading bread with mayonnaise, butter or peanut butter FOR sandwiches can BE exciting FOR a child, I've discovered. "I made my own sandwich," a 3-year-old will exclaim with pride. Another easy task FOR children is placing refrigerated-type biscuits from THE containers onto a baking sheet. You can make many simple variations from these, too, which children can help with. Try cutting each biscuit into quarters; then let THE children roll them into a cinnamon-sugar mixture AND place on baking sheet. Ice after baking. 1476
Building memories
Taking time TO cook with your children enables them TO develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Also this gives you an opportunity TO develop memories AND a relationship that can last throughout THE years.