By Kimberly Blaker, April 2019 Issue.

Kids today often lag behind those of previous generations in their cooking skills.

That’s because, in today’s fast-paced society, fewer parents have the time or energy to cook. As a result, families rely more on fast food and eating out.

But teaching kids food preparation and how to cook offers them numerous benefits. For one, it’s a practical and fun way for kids to learn and improve their math skills through measuring and calculating. It also provides kids hands-on science experiences and opportunities to experiment. Another valuable aspect of cooking is that it improves kids’ reading comprehension as they learn to follow step-by-step instructions. Add to this, kids develop life skills, which boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem.

So, it’s important to begin teaching kids kitchen skills when they’re small. Kids as young as three can learn simple food preparation skills. They can cut food using a plastic or butter knife, pour premeasured ingredients, spread sauces or batters, and stir.

During the early elementary years, kids can learn how to turn on and off the stove and some simple cooking skills. For example, they can learn to make scrambled eggs and warm up soup. At this age, they also need to learn safety rules, particularly as they relate to the more advanced cooking and food preparation skills they’re learning.

Preteens should learn how to safely use a sharp knife. They can also learn to cook slightly more advanced foods, while also continuing to learn about food and cooking safety.

Finally, once kids reach their teens, they no longer require supervision in the kitchen. Not only can they prepare meals for themselves but also for the family.

Restaurant play

learning to cook with cookbook and pots

Even before their teen years, kids can enjoy some semi-independent kitchen fun by playing restaurant. This way they can gradually ease into independent cooking. By the age of eight, kids likely have enough kitchen skills for this activity.

Advance preparation

First, share the details of this activity with your child. Then have your child prepare a list of foods he or she knows how to make. For younger kids, the menu might include cold sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, peeled and cut vegetables or fruit, scrambled or fried eggs, and other easy-to-prepare foods.

Your preteen’s menu could include hamburgers, pancakes, soup, roasted vegetables, and much more.

And for teens, the sky’s the limit. If your teen chooses dishes that require a long time to prepare or cook, you’ll likely want to ‘call in’ your food order before arriving at the restaurant.

Once your child has come up with dishes for the menu, review the list to make sure they’re foods your child can prepare safely with minimal supervision.

Next, pick a date for the restaurant activity, and make sure ingredients are available for everything on the menu.

Also, decide who will patronize your child’s restaurant. If it’s your child’s first time playing or your child is young, 2 to 3 family members will be plenty. Older kids might be able to handle an extra guest or two depending on their skills and the complexity of the menu.

Design the menu

Before your child creates the menu, help them set prices for the entrees. The prices should be substantially below real restaurant prices, especially since you’re footing the bill for the groceries. Also, remember, the idea behind this activity isn’t about the money. It’s supposed to be a fun learning experience for your kids. Still, charging for the food can add to the activity and gives your kid a chance to do some simple math.

The next step is for your child to design a menu. Younger kids can make menus out of construction paper. They can also clip food pictures from magazines or printed off the internet.

Older kids might want to experiment with some graphic design. If your child has already dabbled with graphic design, they might want to try Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, if you have it. Otherwise, a simpler app is better so your child doesn’t get frustrated and turned off to graphic design. Canva’s free menu templates are a good option. Visit canva.com/templates/menus/.

Grand opening

Happy gay dads with their children in the kitchen

Now the real fun begins. When your child’s restaurant opens, wait at the kitchen or dining room entry, and allow your host to seat you. Your server will bring you menus and water and when you’re ready will take your order.

As parents, you might be tempted to make it easy on your child by encouraging everyone to order the same thing. But unless your child has expressed concern about preparing multiple items, try to choose a variety. This is part of the fun and challenge for your child.

After you’ve ordered, relax and enjoy some family conversation – and be prepared for a possible long wait. Also, avoid instructing your child unless you see them doing something potentially dangerous.

When your food arrives, graciously thank your waiter (and cook). Then, be prepared to eat it regardless of how it turns out. If you’re tempted to offer your child some constructive criticism, don’t.

This should be a fun experience for your child that encourages a love of cooking. Your child will improve with experience. If you really feel you have something to contribute to your child in the way of cooking a particular food, just wait until the next time you make it. Then you can nonchalantly give your child tips on how to make that dish turn out really tasty.

Finally, your child should prepare and give you a check so you can pay for your meal.

Clean up

Be sure to let your child know in advance that they’ll also be responsible for cleanup. Hopefully, this will help your child keep the mess to a minimum. If not, it’ll be a good lesson for the next time they cook.