School. It’s where we teach kids how to read and write. We teach them sports, musical instruments and foreign languages. School is supposed to equip students with all the skills they need to survive in the real world. So why don’t they learn about food? Knowing about food, where it comes from and how to prepare simple meals from real food ingredients will set kids up for life, yet in so many countries around the world, food education is not compulsory. But teaching the next generation about food isn’t just about kitchen skills (though those are useful!). Food education also teaches valuable academic (maths, reading comprehension, problem solving) and life skills. Getting kids in the kitchen and showing them how to prepare simple, real food meals is setting them up for a future where they can make informed choices about what they eat and take control of their health. Cooking for and with kids should be fun and engaging and it doesn’t have to be complicated, yet a lot of people are intimidated to cook with their kids.
For this month’s column over on JamieOliver.Com, I’m sharing my five best simple tips to help you get (back) in the kitchen cooking with your kids.
1. Make time to cook with your kids.
2. Find recipes that work (and that work for you!)
3. Don’t stress about having all the “right” equipment.
4. Accept that you might have a “picky” eater and work with that.
5. Be patient.
Want to read more? Head on over to my Tips for Getting Cooking With Kids article over on JamieOliver.Com. And take some time this summer to get cooking with your kids!
Looking for more inspiration for your family mealtime? Check out Jamie’s newly launched Family Food and subscribe to the new Family FoodTube channel, a place where you will find “recipes and tips to feed your whole family quickly, healthily and on budget.” From weaning babies through to hungry teenagers – there’s something for all stages of feeding your family!
Let’s inspire governments to do the right thing: Sign It. Share It. Let’s fight for food education for every child #FoodRevolutionDay change.org/jamieoliver
Okay Cleo isn’t likely to cook with me in the kitchen (though she IS a picky eater and DOES try a small bite of everything…), but I still went over to read the article.
This should be required reading for all parents!
Thanks for reading 🙂