Last week, my three younger kids (17, 15, 12) arrived home from events of the day at 7:45 pm and a weird thing happened. We realized that we were all home and that the rest of the evening was free.
This happens so rarely these days that we all just stared at each other for a moment, trying to remember what we were supposed to do at a time like this. I thought going to bed early sounded like a good idea. But for some reason, no one agreed with me. Spoil sports.
We chose a movie to watch together but then everyone realized how hungry they were (as in, popcorn just wouldn’t cut it). As is the norm, they all looked at me. Unfortunately for them, I had clocked out of the kitchen, and most definitely forgotten which way was upright. From my comfortable position in my recliner, I offered hearty snack suggestions and said, “Go for it!”
Typically, my kids (who are awesome, but also normal) will choose the easiest options (like opening a bag of chips and a jar of salsa). But somehow, all three of them kicked it into high gear and decided to go all out and make a big snack buffet. Within fifteen minutes:
- Justus had made Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
- Elias sliced smoked gouda cheese and summer sausage
- Malachi had made Homemade Fudge Sauce for pretzels
Matt and I made them get out the baby carrots and eat at least six each (because we care about them enough to be cruel like this). Malachi went all out and set up a table with juices and individual bowls of dipping sauce.
While all this was happening, I just sat in my chair and watched. After all, I’d put in my time that day. It was my turn to eat their food.
We fixed our plates, then the movie night began WHICH I STAYED AWAKE FOR – please be amazed and proud.
The next morning, we decided to make Super Mama Waffles (which means instead of just waffles and syrup, we have waffles with sliced berries and whipped cream). I loved the idea, but said, “If that’s what you want, I’ll make the waffles while you guys do everything else.”
Man, having kids that can cook is awesome.
- Justus washed and sliced berries.
- Elias made whipped cream, then scrambled cheesy eggs.
- Malachi warmed up his Homemade Fudge Sauce from the night before, deciding that would taste awesome with strawberries and whipped cream on a waffle. No one argued with this plan.
I promised if I took a picture of our team-made breakfast, I would not include their bed-heads.
Well, I say all this to once again encourage you to teach your kids to cook. Nothing they made here was difficult, but for me, the best part is that they are all at a point now that I didn’t have to walk them through how to make any of it.
Oh the years of taking them through all the cooking steps, reminding them to crack the eggs carefully over the bowl (instead of down the front of their brother’s shirt), and helping them understand the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. I no longer cringe when they use a knife or the stovetop.
Young moms, you too can enjoy this some day. Eventually, they won’t just make messes. They’ll make dinner. (And messes, but let’s just focus on the dinner.)
For everyone with kids, no matter their age, I encourage that you work with your kids to help them get around confidently in the kitchen. The extra work it takes has a huge pay off in the end (so says the mom who sat in her chair while her kids made her favorite dips).
Pull your kids into the kitchen with you, as much as possible.
Help them learn. Help them appreciate the work you do to get food on the table for them every day.
If you’re intimidated about the whole idea, have no idea where to start, or just need a kick start – I highly recommend the Kids Cook Real Food course. We used it for Malachi, our youngest, because I really did need a kick start by the time this task came around to the baby of the family. He knew some basics, but he definitely needed to know more. However, I was in the middle of graduating our oldest and I was dealing with some personal health issues, so the KCRF course was just what I needed to help Malachi finally become confident in the kitchen and actually like cooking.
You can check it out here. It is incredibly well done.
Here’s some extra good news: I got my hands on a free All-Access Membership to Kids Cook Real Food that I’m giving away to one of you this week. Who wants to win? Sign up in the Rafflecopter below. I’ll draw a random winner on Tuesday, April 11. Watch for an email telling who the winner is!
Pssst! I just found out about this!
The creator of Kids Cook Real Food just came out with a brand new free download: 10 Snacks Your Kids Can Make! I just downloaded it for my boys. Go get yours!
Some of the links in this post are my affiliate links.
Olivia says
One day!!!! I guess mine can mostly make scrambled eggs :)
Jessie L says
I love cooking with my kids even though they will not be cooking their own meals for quite some time (my oldest is 5). Can’t wait for that independence.
Christy says
I have long loved your blog because I have 5 boys of my own. The oldest is 7, so we don’t have much child-led cooking yet . . . but there is hope for the future!
janet c fuhrmaneck says
My husband & I went away for the weekend leaving our 3 boys home. (age 20, 17 & 15). I had some refrig. pizza crust & clearly showed them how to pop the can & spread it out. They popped the can & tried to spread this thick roll of dough onto a pizza pan. It took 40 mins., so they say. they forgot to roll it out. So funny when mom’s kitchen is closed & they have to fend for themselves.
Amber says
My oldest is 6 and is learning some basics. I love to see how proud she is when she males something on her own. I would love to win the giveaway!
Sara says
Love this!
Mandi says
Looking forward to the days when my kids take more responsibility in the kitchen! :)
Meghan says
I tried teaching my 10 year old some cooking last summer and it was a total bust. I didn’t follow through. I’d like to try again with him and his younger 4 siblings !!
Ashley says
It is so nice that my kids are starting to be old enough to help cook. I would love the extra teaching help.
Laura says
I’ve heard about this course! I’d love to start it with my oldest who will be five in May. I NEED her to be able to start helping more. :-)
Sonja says
I’m trying to teach my boys to cook. At 14, 12 & 10, they are good at helping, I just need to step it up a notch to get them to the point where they can do things by themselves.
Julia says
I’ve heard about that cooking course and have been so interested in it for my kids. I think it might be exactly what we need!
Laura says
This sounds amazing! I would love to win.
Katelyn Lee says
I can’t believe how big your boys are now! Time flies!
Jill says
Love it! I want my 2 and 3 year old to be fully-funcitoning cooks by the time they’re teens. They already love to crack eggs (although I often have to fish shells out of the bowl). They love “painting” melted butter on top of biscuits, mashing avocados for guacamole, and I even let the three year old cut certain fruits and veggies (cucs, strawberries, smaller tomatoes).
They love watching what we do in the kitchen and I love the idea of them cooking for ME one day soon!
Melinda Johnson says
Reaping the “fruit of your labors” eh? LOVE it! I told the 8 year old to get her on cream cheese for her toast (eggs in a basket was her choice for breakfast, I probably should teach her how to do it herself), and the 11 year old got toast and fixings for his 2 year old brother this morning. Now, the 11 yr old can make pancakes and muffins. I should teach them more. They do know how to cut some vegetables and fruits and make sandwhiches and ramon noodles, chicken nuggets, etc. (no judgment here please). My most favorite advice of yours is to keep it simple: meat, veggie, and a carb for them. I’m currently mostly paleo, and I don’t have energy make baked goods for myself. Anyway, just another reminder to keep going with this teaching thing and it will pay off eventually! Awesome!
Jenny H. says
I’m pregnant with my first, and I can’t wait until he or she can join me in the kitchen! (Of course, I don’t want them to grow up too fast, but I know they will!)
Bethany Ann Hutchinson says
I try to get my kids in the kitchen, but could definitely use the kick in the pants of the Kids cook real food program! Thanks for the giveaway!
Laura says
I could really use the same “get him cooking” boost with my youngest as well. :) Thanks for the lovely blog and the giveaway opportunity. Blessings to you and yours!
KathyT says
I like what you said about the reset you chose to do with Malachi. I have taught my 5 older children to cook. Yet life is different now (with so many other cooks in the family), so I haven’t been as deliberate with the 6th one…
Breanne says
LOVE! I’m always impressed with how much my kids can do in the kitchen, even at their young ages!
Dawn says
I definitely could use the help in the kitchen & this looks like a great help.
Michelle says
This sounds AWESOME to have my kids cook for me! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jessica says
Our oldest is ten and well on her way to being independent in the kitchen which has been awesome when I was just wiped out during pregnancy with number 6. Now that number 6 is FINALLY here, lol, I still ask her to make breakfast which has been great while I deal with baby :) She can scramble eggs, help the little kids with their oatmeal ( 3 and 2), and make pizza, and desserts! :) It is awesome! Now I just have to get our second oldest started doing some more. He is 8 and not nearly as interested as our oldest was.
C. Webb says
My daughter loved the knife class. We’d love to win. Thanks.
Erin says
The food looks yummy! I have 2 boys who would love to learn how to cook. The 5 year old says he wants to he chef when he grows up so this sounds perfect.
Cassie says
Does fixing themselves a bowl of cereal or ice cream count as cooking? Just kidding…. Mine can do the scrambled eggs and a quesadilla so we’re on the right track. Thanks for the post!
Missy says
Teaching my three boys to cook will be an invaluable skill for them especially in the future when they are grown and on their own. ????
elisheba says
I have so wanted this! Ihope I win. Thanks for the chance!
Shannon says
This was perfect timing as my 6 year old got up before me earlier this week to ‘give me a break’. He made bowls of cheerios with milk and blueberries for himself and his 2 younger siblings. I greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness and I will greatly appreciate when there is not raw milk puddling and running down the front side of my oven! slight cringe. :) I have contemplated getting the course several times and again today :) haha.
katie says
My kids are still fairly young 2, 5, and 8. They all love to help with little things in the kitchen. Washing fruit and cutting berries are just a few things they love helping with.
Steph says
My kids love to cook. We’re still working on the cleaning up after cooking part. ;)
Felicia B says
This class sounds like it would be fun for the kiddos! I definitely can’t wait for them to cook me dinner someday! ???? Thanks for the giveaway!!
Melissa says
Its time i get my kids working in the kitchen! Thanks for the giveaway!
Stephanie says
My almost 5 year old would LOVE this! She is in the kitchen with me any chance she can get.
Yolanda says
I love your Waffles!! I look forward to cooking meals with my 9 yr. old.
Nannette Gordon says
I have been saying to my hubby that I want to teach our kids to cook, but I never know where to start! I love that your boys all pitch in…job well done momma!
Kris says
I would love to win. My kids are getting in the kitchen more and more. I think it’s my obstacle to overcome…not theirs. Thank you for encouraging us!
Alexa says
My daughter is 2 and she is a pretty clean cook. She likes to stir and put chopped veggies into bowls. Im planning to start this course in the fall!
Kristy says
I’ve been wanting to do this food course with my girls! Thank you, Laura!
Tera says
Yes! My boys are 16, 13, and 9, and while the 16 yo is fairly competent in the kitchen, and I feel strongly that it’s my duty as a mama to make sure all of my children can cook before they leave home, the younger two have absolutely no desire to learn. I definitely need a curriculum to keep myself and them on track. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Suzy says
I love to cook and have always let my kids and my daycare kids help in the kitchen! We are now adopting a 9 yr old girl with no cooking skills what so ever and would love your videos to help her watch and process great cooking skills!
Bethany B. says
Oh how this would be perfect for us! My 7 and 4 yr olds want to learn how to cook but I pretty much taught myself and don’t feel at all equipped to teach them. Thank you for the giveaway!
Dana says
I definitely need this course for my 5-year-old. He wants to help, but I’m usually too busy!
Melinda says
Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Anitra says
I really appreciate that my 8 & 6 year olds can be responsible for their own breakfast (and sometimes lunch)! We’re not doing anything more complicated than scrambled eggs or toast, but we’ll get there.
I still remember my oldest “making dinner” when she was 5 and I was laid up with unbelievable pregnancy nausea. Each person got a plate with pretzels, a slice of cheese, a slice of bread, and a whole apple (because I didn’t let her use a sharp knife unsupervised). Not exactly what I would have picked, but it was a tiny preview of what we’ll be able to expect someday…
Tina says
I think this course would be amazing for both my girls! They know some basics but I think it would give us all more confidence!
Rosana says
That’s great that your kids can do so much! I would love to have this course to help teach mine as well! Thanks for the giveaway!
Karen Y says
I’ve been considering this course. Thanks for reminding me of it. It could be great for summer!
Jen says
My 7 yr old loved the knife skills class and was very quick to put the techniques to use. It is a great feeling to be able to comfortably be able to task him now with these more serious and helpful tasks.He would LOVE to take the full course!
Carmen N says
Thank you for the chance to win this course!
Amanda N. says
My 7 year old loves being in the kitchen with me but I have been apprehensive in letting him do a lot of the cutting. It would be nice to teach him safe knife skills.