Module 4: Lesson 3

Cooking with kids—how do we do this, reduce food waste, and keep our sanity? The key is keeping the bigger picture in mind: You want your kids to enjoy cooking and have positive experiences so they can nourish themselves as adults.

I get it. Cooking with kids is hard! I’ll admit, it’s a struggle for me too. Sometimes, the chef in me takes over, and my patience as a mom wears thin. Watching one of my kids slowly chop a cucumber can make me want to pull my hair out, and the flour all over the floor instead of in the muffin bowl? It’s enough to make you scream.

But here’s the thing—this is a journey. Remembering that bigger picture helps: You want your kids to feel good about cooking and to have fun in the kitchen. The truth is, the kitchen will get messy, kids will get distracted, and dishes won’t be perfect. That’s just part of the process. Even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment, your kids are learning positive habits and new skills.

I recently spoke with a colleague, Sandy, who spent years teaching kids how to cook. She shared a story that really resonated with me. Despite being an expert in her field, her own kids weren’t interested in cooking when they were young. But now, as adults, they’re passionate foodies—reading labels, cooking meals, and being mindful about where their food comes from. So yes, even if it seems like your kids aren’t absorbing everything, trust me, they are.

Take a deep breath. Whether or not your kids are kitchen pros, it’s okay. If they’re willing to help, here are a few tips to keep them engaged:

1. Give them tasks they’ll enjoy: Things like peeling, grating, mashing, stirring, and measuring are perfect for kids of all ages.

2. Bring in mindful cooking: Encourage them to focus on their senses—what do they hear? What do they see? How do the veggies feel when they touch them? Let them get creative! You might even learn something new from them.

3. Make it fun: Turn kitchen tasks into a game! Try a “blindfold taste test” or create a point system for chores. For example, 1 point for prepping veggies, 2 points for washing dishes, and so on. Points can lead to rewards like choosing dinner or extra screen time.

Cooking with kids can be chaotic, but it’s also an opportunity to create memories and teach them valuable skills. So, take a breath, get creative, and enjoy the process!