Benefits of Process Cooking

Process cooking with kids can form a wonderful bond between parent and career, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some other benefits:

1. Developing motor skills – Cooking with kids can help them to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
2. Learning about Nutrition – Cooking with kids helps them to understand the importance of nutrition and how to make healthy food choices.
3. Enhancing Creativity – Kids are naturally creative, and cooking helps to nurture this by letting them explore and experiment with different ingredients and recipes.
4. Building Confidence – Cooking with kids helps to build self-confidence by giving them the opportunity to display their talents and successes.
5. Strengthening Family Bonds – Cooking with kids can be a great bonding activity that brings the family together.
6. Teaching responsibility – Cooking with kids helps to teach them responsibility and the importance of following instructions and directions.
7. Fun and Entertainment – Cooking with kids can be fun and entertaining, as they get to explore new ingredients and flavors while having a blast.
8. Increasing Knowledge – Cooking with kids helps to increase their knowledge of food, flavors, nutrition, and culinary techniques.
9. Developing Problem Solving Skills – Cooking with kids helps them to practice problem solving skills by learning how to adjust recipes and techniques to create delicious dishes.
10. Developing Patience – Cooking with kids can help to develop their patience and ability to wait for food to cook.

5 Tips on How to Make Cooking with your Kids Calmer

Something that I found difficult was that our cooking sessions sometimes ended up a bit stressful and rushed. So, here are my top tips to help process cooking with kids go smoothly.

1. Be mindful. Notice where you are, what you are doing and be in the moment. Enjoy each others company and focus of what you are doing in the present. Its so precious to spend this time together.

1. Introduce a relaxation technique or two! You may of noticed I love to sneak in a calming breathing exercise, maybe a mindful moment, a little relaxation or just a check in to my cooking sessions. This one to one time is so important. It’s a great opportunity to share about how we are doing.
2. Use less ingredients. I try to use 2 – 6 ingredients max. It just makes things easier and less messy. I usually get the ingredients ready and prepped and then invite my son up to check them out.
3. Use simple recipes with simple ingredients. I have made some recipe cards which are great for keeping things simple. I try to not make things too complicated, but I do like to introduce new skills that are fun like using the electric whisk. That was fun!
4. Get prepped. Make sure you have all the equipment and ingredients you need and get them ready before you start. That means you can focus on being present and connecting rather than rushing around.
5. Reduce and accept the mess but do have ‘Kitchen Rules’ that are followed by adults and kids. Mine are washing hands, licking the spoon after you’ve finished mixing and some helping out at the end.
6. Sit down and share some food together. Connect and celebrate your cooking! This is the time to be proud of all the hard work and the yummy thing you have created. Also you could share with others or give food as a gift.

Preschool Cooking Activities

Preschool Cooking activities keep preschoolers or kindergarteners busy while using fine motor skills along with learning math and science. Whether you’re looking to make a snack together or create a whole meal, you’ll find some great ideas your children will love!

We all know preschoolers have a mind of their own, but they shine when they are able to let their creativity flow. Especially when creating their own recipes, right next to you in the kitchen! You will be amazed to see their creative minds in action as their fine motor skills sharpen and they become more comfortable in the kitchen.

Check out more ideas to get kids cooking!

Click here for 65 easy pre-school recipes your kids will love Preschool Cooking activities

More Cooking Activities for Preschoolers

• Stirring batter in a bowl.
• Rinsing and straining fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Mixing and kneading pizza or other yeast dough.
• Pouring liquid ingredients.
• Spreading peanut butter and jelly on bread.
• Mashing potatoes and other cooked vegetables.
• Rolling bread or pie dough.
• Using cookie and biscuit cutters.
• Whisking pancake batter.
• Cutting soft fruits and vegetables with a dull butter knife or plastic knife.
• Measuring liquid and dry ingredients.