Kids are natural learners. They are wired to soak up new skills and squeeze them back out, each time refining the process. They look for ways to improve, make their projects more beautiful, and find more joy in what they are doing. Imagine the possibilities if we provide them the perfect space to practice these skills! The good news is, we all have a room in our house that creates the perfect space for them to do just that, and they are learning invaluable skills - the kitchen!
No child is too young to be in the kitchen. A baby in a bouncy seat can watch and listen to what you are doing. Talk to them; share with them what you are doing and why you are doing it. A toddler can whip up an amazing salad with a cutting board, a crinkle cutter, and a stack of veggies to choose from. School age children are ready to start practicing safe knife skills, learning how to work safely with heat on the stove, and being an active participant in the meal-making process. By the time the child has reached double digits, it’s a reality for them to make dinner on their own to feed the entire family.
It’s important to always have an adult close by to assist and maintain a safe environment. It’s also important for that adult to provide the child plenty of space to work on their own without interference (that’s the hardest part for us adult types!)
With less time than you think, your child will be a full-time partner in the kitchen. The skills they master and the lessons they learn along the way will impact them for the rest of their lives. Here’s to delegating dinner duty!!
Abbie has been cooking with her children for nearly 10 years. She enjoys sharing all she has learned through her website and Facebook page dedicated to cooking with kids. Find her at knifeforkspoon.net, on Facebook @frozenknifeforkspoon or Instagram @knifeforkspoonblog.
Check out this kid-friendly recipe!
Pizza Cauliflower
Please give us a call for today’s deli hours as they can vary due to staffing.
Grab and go options are always available until close.
FEDERAL WAY
Monday-Saturday: 8 am - 8 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
Please call for current deli counter service hours. Grab and go options available until closing.
2565 S. Gateway Center Place
Federal Way, WA 98003
TACOMA
Monday-Saturday: 8 am - 8 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
Please call for current deli counter service hours. Grab and go options available until closing.
2951 S. 38th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409