As parents, we strive to spend meaningful and special time with our kids in this fast-paced world. I call it my one-on-one session with my daughter, giving my complete attention to her- no phone or any screen time. I think this is the best gift you can give your child.
If you label your “special” time, your child and you will both look forward to it, where there will be laughter and a lot of fun. It also helps your child to build a positive connection with food and you. They learn by using all the senses – smelling, tasting, touching, feeling and listening. Thereby help them in developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination.
It is also a great way to make them follow directions. Each and every step can be a learning process, thereby developing concentration skills and building up their self-confidence. They may even try new and healthy food as they learn about nutrition. It is also a great way to see science in action as they mix different ingredients and which get transformed into a spectacular dish!
Before you start, prepare yourself. Decide on the recipe and make sure it is simple. Choose recipes like no-bake cookies, muffins, smoothies, scrambled egg, pita bread pizza, green salad, mashed potatoes or fruit salad! Once you have decided on the recipe, assemble all the ingredients. Determine the tasks you will give your child. And lastly, be prepared for the mess!!! Keep paper towels, wet towels and wet wipes handy.
Here are some ways to engage your children – baking and cooking (and believe me these are tried and tested with my little one)
- Set a routine for your child. For example, he or she has to wash their hands before helping.
- Rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters.
- Sifting flour and pouring ingredients. Teach them about measurement. It will help improve their math skills as well.
- Frosting cupcakes and decorating cookies. This will aid their creativity.
- A simple task like washing fruits and veggies helps teach the kids about food hygiene.
- Assign them to stir cake mixes.
- Allow them to tear up lettuce for your salad.
- You can make them toss salads or make them use the salad spinner.
- Always involve them in cleaning up the table and helping with the dishes. This process will aid your child to accept responsibility.
- Once the final dish is ready, set the table with pretty napkins and make the food tasting a big deal! Invite some friends as well to share the joy. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem.
Always remember your child will always need help and supervision in every task they do. Use kid-friendly utensils/gadgets like wooden spoons or something doesn’t have sharp edges, which is suited for your child’s grip.
This whole experience will help them understand the efforts that go in making a meal and also appreciate the person cooking the meal. It is no doubt a messy affair, but let your experience be joyful by building positive memories! It’s priceless!
Parul Gupta
KSP Team
Mansi Zaveri
