Some of my best memories are of me baking oatmeal cookies and banana bread with my mom, helping with the salads, and learning her recipes.
With flour & spaghetti sauce all over the floor and constant pleading to lick the spoon or bowl, it‘s always been *easier* to have my kids out of the kitchen when I cooked or baked. It took some time for me to realize how important those moments in the kitchen really are and to remember that easier doesn’t always mean better.
I’ve been bringing my boys into the kitchen with me for nearly every meal now and it has been such a joy.
Our sweet friends up the street, @italyfromscratch, had us over for a pasta-making night, and the kids had sooo much fun. It was definitely a bonding moment for all of us as they learned how to roll the dough.
Just in case you still need convincing 😉, these are three reasons that I believe strongly in bringing our children into the kitchen:
1. Building stronger bonds as a family: You can use this time to connect with your little ones on a deeper level, share stories about your life and your faith, talk about your struggles, and give thanks for the blessings in your lives.
2. Teaching skills for their future marriage: It’s honestly one of the best opportunities to teach them skills that will help them become a Godly partner. There are so many basic skills they will learn: cleaning up, organization, following recipes, working as a team, etc. It also gives a chance for you to teach them the importance of gratitude, selflessness, generosity, and self-control as you cook and work together.
3. Encouraging Faith-Based Self-Worth: One of the things I’ve really seen is how much this has increased the self-esteem of my boys. They feel like they’re a part of something, they love the accomplishment that cooking a meal brings and they feel satisfied that they completed something they started. You can encourage them to see themselves as children of God, created in His image, with unique talents and abilities to offer the world.
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s where delicious meals are prepared, memories are made, and culinary creativity comes to life. It strengthens family bonds, cultivates important life skills, broadens palates, boosts confidence, and nurtures creativity. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, consider extending an invitation to your little ones. Embrace the mess, embrace the laughter, and create a space where lifelong memories and a love for food can flourish. Together, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure that will leave a lasting impression on both your children and you. Happy cooking!
Do you have memories of cooking with your parents? If yes or no, how have those moments impacted you?
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