This is not the post you might think it is. Your first thought was probably weight-related right? I mean our society is so obsessed with one's physical appearance it is no surprise eating disorders are rampant. But that is a subject for another time. The "cooks" I am referring to are kids...y'know the little-er ones in our lives.
Children are naturally curious and interested in many different things. Unfortunately, nowadays many children are plopped in front of a screen of some sort and entertained by an electronic babysitter. Sounds preachy I know...when my "kids" RL and SC were young the electronic "evil" was television (video games were just beginning to become popular activities, but devices weren't so portable and easily carried anywhere). Having immediate access to information has its benefits, and I admit I love using my iPad for all kinds of things, but parents need to wake up and stop relying on devices to occupy their kids minds. Seriously, my kids generation (Gen X, Gen Y, Millenials, 30-somethins...what??) probably still remembers going to the library to check out a BOOK and reading it or going "outside to play". Today it is still so important to get kids DOING something...anything...other than sitting in front of a screen. Okay...enough soap box, but you get my point I'm sure.
A great way to engage with your children is through cooking...afterall we still need to eat right? I mean it really is an easy way to connect on so many levels: take them to buy food, let THEM prepare and cook, talk with them about your childhood and the family's history ("when I was a kid...." stories) I realize that time is limited for many of us with working outside the home, working inside the home, laundry, appointments, soccer practice, music lessons, and on and on, but I think most of us can manage to take the kids out for an hour to pick up groceries so they can cook once a week, once a month or whatever.
So you've planned a meal with them, gone out to the grocery store or farmer's market to pick up ingredients, and now you are ready to begin. Have the kids put together their mis en place (gratuitous french term in post number 2), then fix yourself a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine and let them begin...you are there for moral support unless the child is 3 or 4...then you will have to handle the hot stuff for them. A word of caution though...avoid being critical of your kids or how they are preparing their dish because nothing can kill creativity, initiative, relationships, and desire like good 'ol criticism...keep your thoughts to yourself 'Thank You very much'.
So while dinner (or lunch or breakfast) is being prepared by the kids, you could volunteer to set the table. Oh wait...new concept for many busy families....eating at the table all together...no TV, phones, iPads, etc...actual conversation face to face...try it you will like it. Setting the table does not need to be fancy or expensive, and even if you are using paper plates and napkins it can still look nice and your child will feel special because it makes their efforts feel valued and appreciated. Hopefully THEYwill be eager to set the table and be more appreciative when YOU are cooking.
Two of my "young" friends", MA and NA, have provided a couple of recipes for all of you. They regularly prepare and cook for their family...their mom lets them cook an entire dish without her help. I also have a friend who does children's cooking lessons every summer as part of a camp program. I have seen how responsive the kids are to being able to cook a lot of different things and the parents are so proud of them. Kids enjoy cooking, but you have to let them do it. The dishes can be involved like lasagna or simple like a sandwich or soup...it depends on the kid, their age, and likes/dislikes.
I have been so fortunate to have many wonderful friends in my life, young and old and all inbetween, and cooking is a wonderful way to show how much you care about those you love. Take the time to do something meaningful with you children each day...the laundry can wait a little while longer so you can have a few minutes reading, cooking, or playing with your kids. Believe me, I miss those days when my kids were young. It is so true...before you know it you are wondering where time went and your little one is a grown man or woman and your arms ache to hold them just once more.
As the great Jacques Pepin says "Happy Cooking!"
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