Is your tween helping out in the kitchen?
Like most parents, I get a little nervous letting my kids help out in the kitchen. Granted, I’m no Rachel Ray. However, my main concern is their safety. As a tween, I wasn’t forced to get in the kitchen to learn the ropes. Some may say I was spoiled, while others may say that I was hindered. Either way, I want to ensure that my kids are equipped with the necessary kitchen survival skills. You just never know when they may need them or what opportunities may come from them being kitchen savvy!
In my house, everyone pitches in to do their part. Whether, it’s laundry, spring cleaning or tending to the yard. As a result, navigating the kitchen will be the same. I consider cooking together a fun bonding activity for families. It’s also a great way to foster independence and creativity.
Your motivation may be to teach your child to cook so that you don’t have to do it yourself. But, no matter your intentions, there are certain kitchen skills your tween should already know!
Keep reading to see if your tween is on the right track…
13 Simple Kitchen Skills Your Tween Should Already Know
1.) How to use a knife
2.) How to use the stove
3.) How to use the microwave
4.) How to boil water
5.) How to wash dishes and use the dishwasher
6.) How to make their own lunch
7.) How to make a grocery list
8.) How to properly crack an egg
9.) How to use the toaster
10.) How to clean produce
11.) How to open cans
12.) How to follow a simple recipe
13.) How to measure
You may also like: How To Support Your Daughter After She Starts Her Menstrual Cycle and 6 Easy Ways To Entertain Your Tween
When To Teach Your Tween?
There are some signs to look for when teaching your child to navigate the kitchen. Some children mature faster then others but you will know as a parent when your child is ready.
- Showing Interest – When you notice your child showing interest in cooking this is the number one sign that they are ready.
- Active listening – If your child is not a good listener they can definitely hurt themselves in the kitchen. You need to stress the importance of actively listening for the safety of everyone. When they have mastered this, it’s another sign they are ready to learn.
- No horseplay – If your child is mature enough to take cooking seriously without playing around in the kitchen, then this is another sign that they are ready to up their kitchen skills.
How To Teach Your Tween?
You want to insure that you are teaching your tween properly. As experienced adults, we tend to take shortcuts. It’s important to omit these and stick to the script so that they can learn proper technique.
- Start early – Get your kids in the kitchen as early as possible so that these skills can be developed over time, rather than in a rush. Start with small age appropriate tasks and by the time they are tween’s they’ll be able to grasp techniques easily.
- Be the example – Let them watch you perform each skill first. Every time you prep or cook, call them in the kitchen. Let them see you in the act. Some kids learn by seeing, while others learn by doing so remember to be patient. This process should be fun rather then seem like a chore.
- Practice – It’s their turn! Watch them execute the skills that you taught them. Practice truly makes perfect so the more practice the better.
- Education – Give them resources to study. Give them a tour of the kitchen, explaining to them the differences and purpose of utensils, appliances and gadgets. Teach them, then quiz them cause being knowledgeable makes all the difference.
Is your Tween kitchen savvy?
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
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