Hobson at Home!

Cooking with Children
Cooking together strengthens family bonds and bolsters children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills.  It is important to remember that cooking with children can be very simple and asking for children to help make regular meals is great because it is already a part of the day. 

Even something as basic as helping make scrambled eggs and toast, or grilled cheese and veggies can be super rewarding and meaningful for children. 

If you want to spice up your recipes these cookbooks from Mollie Katzen are great because they have fabulous illustrated recipes that children can follow.  

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Cutting Tools:
Your child can use most of the cooking materials you already have in the kitchen.  Children will need help learning to use sharp tools like can openers and peelers.  Butter knives are great for soft foods or spreading.  A set of kid-friendly knives and a sturdy cutting board are investments worth making to help children participate in cutting and chopping. I recommend a set of nylon knives. 

Using the Stove:
Using the stove or any heat source requires adult supervision.  When we cook in the classroom we use electric skillets.  Even at home these can be great for cooking with children because you can set them up anywhere, and there is no flame. 

Former Director, Sally Nurss wrote the article “Let Me Help You Cook” which includes tips for parents and highlights all that children are learning when they cook with you!

Cleaning Up:
Don’t forget, with a stool and a scrub brush your child can also help wash the dishes!  Not only will they feel good about cleaning up, playing in the soapy water can be a relaxing sensory experience.