3 Ways to Get Kids Cooking in the Kitchen

With many kids at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, now is a good time to get them interested and involved in what they eat. Typically, kids only see the end product, when foods are already peeled, cut and cooked. Helping in the kitchen can be a creative outlet and an opportunity for children to try new foods and learn a few cooking skills.

Get Kids Excited About Cooking

Try these three easy tips for involving your child in meal prep and planning.

Go grocery shopping together.

• Let them pick a fruit or vegetable
• If they choose one they’re familiar with, find a new way to use it in a recipe
• If they choose one that’s different and unfamiliar, such as dragon fruit or jicama, enjoy the adventure as a family

Cook a meal from another country.

• Pull up a map, and let your kids choose a country
• Look up dishes the country is known for and pick a recipe
• Add to the fun by learning a few facts about the country and looking at photos
• Bonus: It’s a great way to expand your child’s palate and cultural knowledge

Encourage your child to make their favorite food.

• Ask them to help make their favorite meal; it just might get them child excited about joining you in the kitchen

Benefits of Cooking at Home

Cooking at home can:

• Create a bonding experience for the whole family
• Get kids excited about trying new foods
• Make meal prep fun
• Set a solid foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits
• Take the stress out of trying to get your kids to eat healthy

Bon Appétit!

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Kristen Bonafide

Kristen has been a clinical dietitian at NKCH for over 20 years. Kristen graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. She works as an inpatient dietitian and helps cover all the units in the hospital. In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and running.