In my house, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and that’s not just because I’m an East Coaster, but the fact that I love to cook. A certain little preschooler in my house also has taken a liking to lending his hands in the kitchen as well, and it’s proving to be a fruitful experience.
Many families today rush through meal times during the organized chaos of their daily lives and often lean towards efficiencies rather than traditions, with technology strongly influencing this. But we can make time to cook, even if it’s something simple that takes 5-10 minutes or a full on meal, there are so many developmental areas for your child.
My son is a big fan of pancakes, homemade pancakes that is, and don’t try to fool him with fake maple syrup either. We make them in about 10 minutes from start to plate, a few simple and memorized ingredients, mix it up and put it in the pan. Sounds super simple yes, and it really is, but to a developing child’s brain this is a monumental task. How many eggs? One or two cups of flour? How much is a tablespoon? And the questions continue. Fine motor in the egg cracking and stirring, and special awareness around the hot stove are just a few of the benefits that come to mind.
So why don’t we see this happening like we use to? Ready-made dinners and take out menus have flooded the market and in the name of saving time. Even when there is a home cooked meal prepared, parents often don’t include their children in the process as it takes longer to make with their help, or doesn’t turn out the same (I actually like lumpy mashed potatoes!), depriving them of an opportunity to grow.
Has my son burned himself on the stove or a pan, not really, just touched it long enough to know it commands his respect. Have we made an incredible mess of flour and melted butter that took longer to clean up then to make the actual cookies, absolutely! Has my son’s literacy and numeracy prospered, 100%. Cook with your kids, make a mess, make some memories.
Play. challenge. grow 