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Fun Fare
Learning and Laughing With Kids in the Kitchen
By Dawn Marie Barhyte
In fact, each concept that is taught related to cooking can be extended to other areas of a child's life. If your child is learning colors, cook all green foods. Or if they are learning shapes, point out the shapes of food, such as square crackers or round cucumbers.
Through preparation of meals you can introduce traditions and cultures from around the globe. And you can spark your child's interest in your heritage by exploring foods from your family's cultural background.
Laurie Mead of Brewster, N.Y., feels it's fun knowing that recipes have been passed down through the generations. She routinely cooks foods that are cherished family recipes, like her grandmother's Irish soda bread, with her children.
She says teaching your child is easier than you think, but be consistent and assign tasks based upon your child's age and readiness. Although it's likely young children will want to "help" and emulate their older siblings, you need to assign tasks that are developmentally appropriate. Providing a safe adventure will ensure your child will learn more as they explore new recipes.
