If children are involved in the prepping, they are more likely to show interest in the planning and eating! Studies show children who help make meals are more likely to eat the food that is prepared. They also develop healthier food habits and are more confident.

Working in the kitchen together requires taking the time to both Show and Tell. Be sure to model, remind, and watch to make sure your kids are doing what you expect. Allow plenty of time for mistakes and learning. If you have more than one child, try working one-on-one until each child learns the skills you are teaching. The key is to invite your child to help with age-appropriate tasks that will excite and include your children without adding stress!

Start with these basic meal prepping ideas:

1. Aprons for everyone
Like a work uniform, an apron gets everyone in the mood for meal preparation! It will also help protect clothing.

2. Tasks for everyone
Make sure everyone in the family has their own jobs that are right for them. See a list of suggested kid-friendly meal preparing jobs.

3. Kid recipe books and videos
Use kid-friendly resources to help keep your kids interested in planning and prepping! You can find them in both print and digital formats. Check your local library for kid-friendly cookbooks. Look for ideas on websites. Ask your local WIC office for free cookbooks from WIC.

4. Share the decision making
Simple questions like, “Should we slice the carrots in sticks or dice them?” are easy ways to engage your children.

parent qUOTE

“A couple of my girlfriends and I gathered our kids and spent an afternoon with them personalizing their kid-sized aprons. We found a great deal online and bought 18 aprons together for around $12. With some permanent markers and fabric paint, the kids decorated their own apron. For less than a dollar an apron, each of our kids now has their own kitchen “uniform.” Putting on their aprons is one of my kids’ favorite reasons to help me in the kitchen.” ~ Jada