Getting Kids Involved in Mealtime
Updated: Mar 4, 2020
Chopped Junior anyone?
Getting kids interested in the preparing and cooking of dinner can help not only build their language skills, but their motivation to try new foods. Here are some tips to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Take kids to the grocery store! I know, you may want to stop right here. However giving kids their own grocery list (with words or pictures) will help them to feel empowered and excited about what's to come.
Have kids unpack the groceries. They can wash fruit and vegetables, or help to put them away in the refrigerator.
Give kids a task while cooking dinner. Maybe they will be the best tomato counter in the land as you have them count out 20 of each ingredient for the salad. Or they can demonstrate their strength by mashing the potatoes in a bowl.
Have kids be servers at dinner. It could be their job to pass out the dinner rolls or to pass everyone the green beans.
Kids are more likely to be active participants during mealtime (even the picky ones) when they have a specific task to do!
April Anderson, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC