It was time to prepare dinner. My niece and nephew along with my children were all in the kitchen ready to help.
Now, these kids ranged in age from two-and-a-half to six years old. It would seem that the best way to get this crew to help would be to find them something to play with in another room.
But that's not what happened. We were making a pizza and I was busy coordinating the effort and directing my merry little band of helpers. I had cut the meat and vegetables and grated the cheese earlier in the day. So the kids got busy spreading the toppings on the crust. One had the pepperoni, one the mushrooms and so on. They loved it.
And when it was cooked they proudly talked about how they made dinner.
We know that family meals have positive benefits. But cooking and eating together is even better.
Research has shown that families that cook and eat together on a daily basis enjoy better mental, physical and social health. Because they are eating well they also do better in school. Kids who are involved with meal preparation tend to make healthier food choices, which leads to less risk of developing health problems like obesity or eating disorders.
They also are inclined to try more experimental foods, expanding their horizons and palates.
They develop a sense of self-sufficiency, of fun and when there is a family connection, a feeling of togetherness.
We know that 27 per cent of families eat supper together at home two or fewer times a week and 12 per cent eat supper at home less than once a week. These numbers decrease as children get older.
Preparing tasty and nutritious meals is a skill they will need when they are ready to head off on their own. The earlier they start, the better they will do. And while they are still at home, you are the beneficiary.
To start, create a kidfriendly work area. It might be easier for them to work at the kitchen table than at the counter. If they are working at the counter make sure they have a sturdy chair or stool to stand on.
Then teach them the fundamentals. They need to learn how to measure, how to mix wet and dry ingredients and how to sauté.
Give them a crash course in nutrition. Let them know that they need to plan meals that include foods from a variety of food groups. I remember telling our kids that a salad had to have more than just carrots. They loved carrots.
There are good cookbooks available for kids. Once they're old enough to read, go through them and choose ones appropriate for their age and that fit with how your family likes to eat.
It's also fun to teach each of your children how to prepare a dish that is a family favourite. So that child becomes the expert at that dish and every time you are going to serve it, she is called to do the job.
Helping in the kitchen has many benefits. First, they want your attention while you're trying to prepare meals so you may as well have them working with you getting your attention and developing an important skill at the same time. They are learning about nutrition and about making choices and planning. And, their selfesteem is getting a healthy boost.
When we sit down to a meal that was prepared by 10-year-old Melissa, she is going to feel terrific about herself. If we have a cake for dessert and three-yearold Juan stirred the dry ingredients, he will know that he had an important role to play in providing this cake that everyone is enjoying.
Make meal preparation a family affair. Then kick back and let someone else plan and cook your dinner.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Vive la Différence, Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
