… or how the movie “Ratatouille” has changed our cooking life.

If there is one thing that has drastically changed our cooking life, it would be the movie Ratatouille.  It left such an impression on my children’s brains, sometimes I have to beg them to get out of the kitchen.  “If you go take your bath now, when, you come back, you can do the cooking,” is how it usually goes.

Both my children have been actively involved in cooking since they were old enough to stand or sit on the counter or from a stool.  They love to peel carrots, chop vegetables, roll pizza dough or do anything at all that involves cooking, eating and tasting.  One of my biggest priorities is family dinners, so, having the kids in the kitchen is all part of it.  And, if you have children under the age of 5, having them in the kitchen with you is also a management technique.

In a previous article, I wrote about my five best time saving pieces of equipment, but, there is more to the story.  The story is really in teaching my kids how to cook. I hope when they are older and start cooking for their friends and future girlfriends, it makes a huge difference in their lives.  For now, I let them take charge in the kitchen for the most part. If they want to cook noodles or macaroni, I let them. I am there to facilitate their needs and be on safety patrol.

Yes, there will be a mess to clean up, children are not necessary attune to cleanliness, but, I don’t care as long as they are being careful.  Let them stick their fingers in everything and taste all of it.   Currently, my youngest son loves to cook the food, but doesn’t always like to eat it.  But, we made a deal that he must TRY all the foods he cooks.

The easiest way to get your kids involved in cooking is to make it fun.

• Jazz up your nightly cooking chore into a singing, dancing, and stirring party.
• Consider getting everybody an individualized apron and chef hat.  These flirty aprons are super cute for moms and Etsy has a wide variety of aprons for boys and girls.
• Buy them their own cooking tools that are kid friendly.
• Gather a few  kid cookbooks.  My kids and I, particularly, like Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso.   She even has some new books coming out next spring just for kids (Paleo Pals: Jimmy and the Carrot Rocket Ship and The Paleo Pals Cookbook).

Teaching your children how to cook is a lifetime skill that can be perfected until their old!  Make it part of your daily life.