As adults, we seem to need a lot of help from our cookbooks and the Internet to help us make our favorite dishes. But when we were children, we were taught how to pitch in, so it makes sense that children should also be taught how to cook. After all, teaching children to cook not only gives them skills they can use for the rest of their lives but also gives them the chance to make memories with their family in the kitchen.
Baking is a special skill. It is something that not everyone can do, and it takes a special kind of person to be able to teach someone else to bake. Many kids are naturally talented at baking, but others lack the confidence to even try. This can lead to a sense of frustration, especially if the recipes they use call for more skill than they have
Baking is therapeutic. It is relaxing. And most kids love it. So why not bake with your kids? It not only gives them something fun to do, but it also teaches them important skills, like patience, how to follow directions, and how to deal with frustration.
Here’s How to Teach Your Kids to Bake:
- Be safe; Instruct them first with safety precautions.
Baking is a great way to get the kids in the kitchen, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can let them try something a little more complicated. Baking is not as easy as it looks though. So, first, let us review some important safety rules. Use caution when handling sharp knives and appliances, and never leave children unattended.
- Start with basic recipes.
Baking with kids is a fun and easy way to get them interested in cooking and baking. It is recommended to introduce your kid to food by having them help you in the kitchen. Kid-friendly recipes, such as muffins, cupcakes, and cookies make for a great place to start. Try baking together, and before you know it, your kids will be baking all by themselves.
- Dress up your kitchen.
Start by introducing your child to the tools and appliances of the kitchen. Buy them an apron, a mixing bowl, some ingredients, and be the chef. Let them help measure, stir, and pour. Let them try their hand at rolling and shaping the dough. Let them decorate cookies, cupcakes, and other goodies. Let them roll up their sleeves and put their hands in flour. Then, after all that hard work, let them taste their baked goods!
- Get everyone in on the action.
Experiment with simple recipes that allow your child to make their contributions. While baking may not be as fun as cooking, it is a great first step in teaching your kids how to cook. The task will be easier if your kids already have some basic skills in the kitchen such as measuring, chopping, and mixing.
- Do not take anything personally.
Kids can be fussy. When things do not turn out right, do not complain that they did not follow instructions, and do not accuse them of trying to sabotage you. Keep it positive!
Baking with your kids is an ideal way to spend some quality time together, and both you and your child will reap the benefits. Instead of heading to the movies or out for ice cream, surprise your child by asking them what they want to bake. You can do a themed party, like pumpkin or gingerbread, or choose something that you know your child will like. The key is to keep it simple. For example, letting your child choose their own cookie cutters can help avoid any tears.
Teaching your child to bake is a great way to teach them lifelong skills. Kids love to have independence and use recipes as a way of bonding. Learning to make some of their favorites gives them a sense of achievement and sense of accomplishment. Kids also love to show how good they are at something. Baking is a great family activity. Kids are in the kitchen with mom, dad, or grandma, they are learning new life skills, and the finished product is delicious! As an added bonus, baking with your kids is not only a great activity, but it is also a really great way for them to learn about math, science, and nutrition.
