Cooking is a fun activity for the whole family especially as many family traditions involve food. So this springtime, have fun with the kids in your outdoor kitchen and teach the young chefs cool and useful tricks.

Benefits of cooking with kids

Cooking with your kids is not just a fantastic bonding activity. It also has several benefits that can boost their development, helping them to grow into well-rounded individuals.

Promotes self-sufficiency

By teaching kids how to cook, you’re helping them develop skills they’ll need to be independent adults. They’ll learn how to prepare their own food and can dramatically increase their confidence. 

Encourages sense of responsibility  

Letting your kids help you out in the kitchen shows them you trust them to be responsible and able to rise to the occasion. They’ll learn how to pay attention to details and watch out for safety while you’re fostering belief in their ability to contribute to the household.

Enhances cognitive development

Cooking involves various tasks that need knowledge and skills in basic maths, science and even reading comprehension. Kids move their learning along by reading recipes, measuring the ingredients and seeing how certain ingredients are mixed together. 

Tips for cooking with kids

Here are some simple tasks you can assign to your kids to get them involved in the cooking process:  

For 5-year-old kids

• Washing fruits and veggies: Set up a sturdy stool by the sink and let the kids wash produce for you. This can be their introduction to food safety and the general importance of cleanliness in all aspects of life.

For 6- to 8-year-old kids

• Planning meals: Look through cookbooks or recipes together and let your kids decide which meals look interesting for the upcoming week.
• Measuring ingredients: Let the kids get more comfortable with numbers by having them measure the ingredients. They’re old enough to find the right measuring cups for the recipes, and it’s fun pouring the right amount in each container!

For 9- to 11-year-olds

At this point, the kids are old and capable enough to handle most of the kitchen tasks, as long as you still keep an eye on them for safety. They can peel, slice and chop vegetables, crack eggs, check food temperatures with the thermometer and simmer foods on the stove. For some added fun, why don’t you throw an apron on them and even get them their own sous chef hat!  

Enjoy cooking with the kids in your own AlfrescoPlus outdoor kitchen! 

AlfrescoPlus offers a variety of outdoor kitchen modules that can be used to suit your alfresco area and your budget. Our DIY outdoor kitchen range offers style, quality, functionality and versatility, and the AlfrescoPlus™ patented framing system ensures a seamless and robust cabinetry solution. We bring together market-leading appliances, premium materials and award-winning services to make your dream outdoor kitchen a stunning reality. 

Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 174 876 or send us an email at info@alfrescoplus.com.au for enquiries or more information.

For the best DIY outdoor kitchens in Melbourne, trust AlfrescoPlus!