Summer is together with Christmas, the most appropriate time to allow our children to participate in food processing, and prepare those new dishes that we never have time to make.
Children develop a natural interest in cooking, and it is not for less, since it is the place where raw materials are transformed almost magically. further the experience is very educational for them.
Because you know, when children also get into the kitchen they know the origin of food, as well as its qualities and properties (and this will allow them to decide on their food in the future), they also discover the virtues of seasonal products , Y the basics of healthy eating. But they also practice mathematics (despite, for example) and physics (when checking the reactions of the ingredients when mixed); They learn to choose the instruments they need at all times, and they know when to put a dish in the oven, or how a salad is seasoned.
For many parents, and taking into account that sometimes we go a little faster, having children sitting on the kitchen bench, or at the table while scratching tomato for the gazpacho, is an opportunity to talk about our things, and of them, and share the issues that interest us most
Do you have doubts about how to involve children in the kitchen?
In Peques and Más, we have previously talked about the advantages of cooking with children and their involvement in food preparation. I would like to influence two aspects that can stop the participation of our children in food processing.
Cook safely
Okay, this is essential, but it is not convenient to completely restrict the use of 'controlled danger' instruments whenever we are present (or even help them), and depending on their age, abilities, or abilities.
For example, you may not let your three-year-old son take one of those large vegetable knives, that the medium (six) whisk whisk with the electric rod mixer, or that the older one (10) open the hot oven after cooking of the cake.
But Do not forget that children grow and their skills develop. The kitchen is a laboratory of experiencesAnd in the same way that it is not possible to succeed with the proportions of ingredients if one does not try many times, nor can the safety advice be internalized if we do not allow them to participate actively.
My children cut (according to age I have left different types of knives) food, knead, weigh, stir, use the blender, take out their recipe books ... I am always present, although I don't always have the need to direct them.
And for me it is also important to influence other safety tips (sometimes not so obvious) as if to plug in an appliance one cannot be barefoot, or that if they want to reach a product from a high shelf and use their own furniture as a ladder, it could fall on them because of the weight and hurt them.
Of course: it is not a good idea for children to be left alone in the kitchen ... cooking. In the same way that we should not monitor the environment while there are hot pots or pans on the first line of stoves, or the oven is newly opened after use.
In the kitchen children acquire skills difficult to achieve in other areas, in addition to achieving small goals their self-esteem is reinforced. If they learn to prepare foods with basic ingredients, they may not have to resort to pre-cooked dishes and fast cooking when they are older, so healthy and balanced eating is also enhanced
Fully develop your interests
Sometimes due to lack of time or distrust of our children, we inhibit (I know that without bad intention) their initiatives, their ideas, their curiosity. Give yourself a few minutes to marvel at what the children bring, and give them the opportunity to explain why they want to prepare for dinner that recipe that has just occurred to them.
What do you think you lose if you listen to them? You may not like the resulting contrast of flavors, but with their illusion and your culinary intuition, Most likely, you are all pleasantly surprised.
Cooking with children in summer
It goes without saying that in the summer season we must prioritize seasonal products, and fresh and light dishes. We all want more a salad than a stew, a cold puree than a plate of legumes.
Still, we must ensure that the feeding continues being balanced (With the right supply of vitamins, proteins, minerals ...), and for this we can prepare our own summer recipe book, ensuring that every day we include the nutrients we need. Ah! and do not forget to give other utilities to food: for example legumes or rice in the salad.
And be careful with poisonings, that always.
Getting into the kitchen is also ...
It involves your children in the whole process: it will be more satisfying for everyone, and it will encourage you to continue: take out of the fridge, prepare utensils, pick up, clean the kitchen bench, put what is dirty in the dishwasher, etc.
I know from experience that if the worst part remains for parents, these can be discouraged, and you may think twice about the next time. It is not small to sweep, pass the cloth, or save the species, that is, it doesn't matter if they make it perfect, but they do collaborate.
Why are you more encouraged now to let your children get in the kitchen with you? Don't forget that that beautiful experience will be part of their memories in the future, and will help them also transmit it to their own children.
Images | Rachel Tayse, Rachel Tayse, JustyCinMD, woodleywonderworks Live to the Palate | Tips for cooking with and for children In Peques and More | Suggestive recipes to make with children and teenagers in Fried Webos
