03 Aug 5 Tips for Kids in the Kitchen….from an 8 Year Old

It’s always a pleasure and an honor to be part of Chef/RD Sara Hass’s #kidsinthekitchen campaign. In fact, when she sends out the email to participate, I’m one of the first ones to raise my hands.  What exactly IS Kids in the Kitchen? From Sara:

What is #kidsinthekitchen? So glad you asked! A few years back I wanted to bring together RD’s and nutrition-focused foodies to share their ideas on how to get kids cooking. Because as the saying goes, “it takes a village.” And I think that’s especially true when it comes to helping teach kids about food and nutrition. There were SOOOOOO many GREAT ideas shared! It was a huge success and so well, I just keep doing it! In fact, if I had it my way (and if I was more organized!), this would be a year-long celebration! Maybe someday!

As a professional, teaching kids to cook has always been part of what I do. Starting at the North Texas Food Bank, I was excited to stand alongside chefs and dietitians while teaching at-risk kids the Cooking Matters curriculum. For 8 years, I ran the Days of Taste Program through the American Institute of Wine and Food organization. Fourth and fifth graders came to the Famer’s Market and learned how food got from the farm to the table (before “farm to table” was cool). Needless to say, when I became a mom, my passion intensified in this area. Our son, Ben, has been in the kitchen since he could sit on the floor and bang pans. I am seeing first hand how teaching him to cook and fuel his body with good nutrition goes far beyond the kitchen. 

It’s also about Personal Responsibility.  Life Skills. Family Bonding. Self-sufficiency. Creating Food Memories.  Understanding the Value of Money. .. Appreciating Where Food Comes From. Knowing that it’s not always a given that everyone always has food. It’s really about…… Life Lessons.

In this vein, I thought it only appropriate that Ben take you through his 5 tips for Kids in the Kitchen…..based on what he’s learned from me and the other influences in his life.

Have an adult with you at all times

Taste as you go

Be creative with your recipes

Feed others

Have fun!

Many of my esteemed colleagues take part in the fun and I encourage you to follow along all month at #kidsinthekitchen.