Kids in the Kitchen

I'm a mom of boys.  
Food is life at our house. 
It seems like I shop one day and it's gone the next.  There's gotta be some moms out there who know what I'm talking about.  If I cooked every meal from scratch I'd need to quit my job because I'd be in the kitchen cooking and cleaning all day.  There are worse things.  But...I love my job so I think its time to train some boys in my house to get the job done.  I certainly don't mind opening up my kitchen to the kids. 

We live in a world where technology wins if we don't offer some solid substitutes to keep our kids entertained.  We've got church, sports, community ed activities, honors choir and more.   When we are at home together, I think it is important to try to use that time intentionally.  The kitchen is a great place to do that.  Cooking together allows us to talk.  It helps the boys follow directions.  It takes EVERYTHING I have not to try to control things.  If I can bypass those "mom" feelings  we usually have a great time.  Ha!

Here's some things I try to remember when I cook with the kids.  

Chill.  Yes.  I have to physically tell myself to chill.  When cooking with my kids I know that I count on things being messy and a little more unorganized than I would like them to be.  If I get all crabby and bossy they aren't going to want to hang with mom in the kitchen.  So relax.  Communicate with them on their level.  Don't raise your voice and keep it fun.

Let them shop.  Part of the skill of cooking is learning to buy the ingredients.  Online shopping is so fun for them!  It adds a little technology to the mix, which my boys never complain about.  They like any opportunity to use a computer.  Obviously, check over the cart before you order.  You never know what extra stuff you might find in there.  :-)

Put your phone away.  It's cool to snap a pic.  After that, put your phone away and pay attention to them.  Watch what they're doing and add in some tips when it's appropriate.  Just enjoy watching your kids do what they do.  

Print out the recipe for them.  This helps us a lot. Phones and computers get messy.  I like to print the recipe out so they can hold it and read it.  Does this make us old school? 

Keep it simple.  Part of the reason we love Grillin' Magic is it makes cooking simple.  It's perfect for kids because it isn't too spicy and you can season an entire meal with ONE go to seasoning.  Green beans.  Done.  Chicken breast.  Done.  Dessert - well, I'm sure my kids will be willing to give it a try.  

What recipes are your favorite to make with your kids?  Comment and I"ll share them with our readers!