Getting Kids Involved in Mealtime

7/14/2015

On many TV shows we see the mom in the kitchen alone cooking dinner for her family. When she is all done she yells "Dinner!" and her family comes running. Typically, she will get the question "Mom, what's for dinner?" However, getting kids interested in the preparing and cooking of dinner can help not only build their language skills but their motivation to try new foods. Here are some tips to get kids involved in the kitchen.

Take kids to the grocery store! I know, you may want to stop right here. However giving kids their own grocery list (with words or pictures) will help them to feel empowered and excited about whats to come.
Have kids unpack the groceries. They can wash fruit and vegetables, or help to put them away in the refrigerator.
Give kids a task while cooking dinner. Maybe they will be the best tomato counter in the land as you have them count out 20 of each ingredient for the salad. Or they can demonstrate their strength by mashing the potatoes in a bowl.
Don't be afraid to ask kids what they want to eat (within set boundaries). Instead of ordering out for pizza, may individual ones at home. Each family member can choose their own toppings. This opens the door for many conversations, as well as language tasks such as naming colors and counting.
Have kids be servers at dinner. It could be their job to pass out the dinner rolls or to pass everyone the green beans. Kids are more likely to be active participants during mealtime (even the picky ones) when they have a specific task to do!

The mealtime possibilities are endless. Remember, dinner is another opportunity to talk about food and where it comes from, as well as spend precious time with your child.

Happy eating!
April

Have a little one at home? Attached are some fun pre-dinner coloring sheets they will love courtesy of Nourishinteractive.com.