Tips to encourage discovery and learning in the kitchen - L'Observateur

Tips to encourage discovery and learning in the kitchen

Posted on Sunday September 3, 2023 at 11:30 am

(Family Traits) Planning, preparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals are skills everyone can benefit from. When it comes to meal prep, however, many families find it easier to invite children to play than to take them into the kitchen to help prepare meals.

"One of the best ways to encourage kids to try new foods or just eat veggies is to give them the power to plan and prepare a meal," said Emily Hicks, registered dietitian at KinderCare Health Learning Centers. "Involving children in the planning, preparation, and serving of meals in an age-appropriate manner empowers them in a world where they often feel they don't have many choices. This can help reduce stress and eating conflicts while eating out, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Meal prep can also bring some lessons like counting and fractions to life as children measure ingredients. It can also be an opportunity for an impromptu science lesson about the parts of plants and animals that humans eat and the nutritional benefits of healthy foods.

To get kids more involved in mealtimes, follow these tips:

1. Choose meal times when the family is usually together and make preparation a team effort. Have the children choose vegetables or other foods from the grocery store (or from the fridge, freezer, or pantry) to prepare. Alternatively, if you have several meals planned for the week, the children can help you decide what to cook on which days. The key is empowering children to make choices, helping them develop a sense of responsibility and encouraging a varied food choice.
2. Let the kids help wash groceries, mix food in bowls, retrieve tools like cutting boards from the closet, and more. Children, with the help of an adult, can help peel or chop food or stir pots and pans. Even young children can help by using child-safe utensils to peel or chop foods, sprinkle dressings on top, pour dressings, or combine pre-measured meal components.
3. From a young age, children can help put food on the table and help themselves. Young children may find it easier to serve themselves with measuring cups rather than serving utensils. Encourage the children to try some of the foods on the table, but don't force them to eat anything specific. Instead, give them time and multiple opportunities to try different foods. If you can, teach the children to pass food to others at the table and to converse. Sharing at the table can help promote social development and family cohesion.
4. After the meal, the children can help clean up and put away. Even if they can't reach the sink, children can help clear the table. You can also help put dishes in the dishwasher or bring clean dishes to an adult to put in cupboards and drawers. Plus, they can help wipe up spills and crumbs, and they also help with the stroller.

"The benefits of family meals go beyond health," Hicks said. "Involving your children in your mealtime routine can bring food and fun to the table and create a sense of belonging that enhances the well-being of the whole family. Remember that it is not necessary to follow a routine 100% to be of benefit. Just do your best to stick to routines whenever possible and train your balance.

Visit kindercare.com for more tips to help kids get involved in meal planning and meal preparation.

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