Since our kids have been old enough to stand we have been bringing them into the kitchen with us. I am a true believer that our role as parents is to make our kids independent and capable, and being able to cook is a huge thing that will make this happen.
But in a room filled with knives, hot zones and burning and bubbling dishes, it is hard not to be a little over protective of our wee ones and sticking them by the sick to “wash the lettuce” instead of doing the fun stuff.
So, Ikea has created the “Cooking With Parents” manifesto. It presents five rules that can bring fun back into cooking – but more importantly bring kids back into the kitchen.
A room filled with dos and don’ts
The five rules are simple but important. Comments like “Don’t touch that, it’s hot!” and “Follow the recipe!” is something most parents have heard themselves say at some point. But instead of being a place run by rules, the kitchen should be a place for coming together – without fear of mess and scolding.
IKEA’s Life At Home Report finds that nearly half of all parents feel a lack of time to play with their children. Naturally, most feel guilty about this. Simultaneously, most children lack basic food knowledge and cooking skills, simply because parents fear the mess and stress that comes from letting them into the kitchen.
- As many as two of three parents believe it is important to involve their children in the kitchen.
- As many as nine in ten parents say they already involve their kids in the activities around food.
- Kids are however mostly helping out with clearing plates and doing other things connected to cleaning. In other words, just the boring bits.
Check out the great recipes that Ikea has shared that are fun enough AND easy enough to get your kids in the kitchen. Start small and work your way up, and you may be amazed at what getting in the kitchen with your kids can add to your family.
Not only will it build THEIR confidence… YOU will get tasty meals as well!
Check out the other great recipe videos from Ikea WITH your kids and see if it inspires you both to get cooking in the kitchen!