How to Make Cooking a Fun Family Activity

Cooking solo can be a lot quicker and easier then cooking with the whole family, but have you ever thought about turning family cooking in to a fun activity? It's easy. It may take some time getting used to but once you master your patience it will be a blast.

When making cooking a fun family activity, keep the family in mind! What do they like to cook? What is their favorite food? Try to plan a meal that will be enjoyable for everyone. Its always more fun cooking something you like then something you don't.

Consider how many people you are cooking with, how many people you will be feeding and what you will need. If you have five cooks in the kitchen at one time then be sure to have enough duties for everyone. Be sure to take advantage of your help. Don't take on too many task and leave someone else propping up against the counter, bored.

When you are cooking with children be sure to take there jobs in to consideration. Don't give children anything that is too hard. Try not to give them anything that is too messy. If you do, you will be looking for ways to make cleaning fun! When planning the task for the children find something that is easy but time consuming for them. That way everyone will finish around the same time. If you don't, you will probably find little Timmy trying to do your job at separating the eggs. Which, we all know can get a little messy.

When planning your meal, think of things the kids will enjoy. Cookies, cakes, anything that has to do with decorating. Help bring out the artist in them. They will love it! Let them do the stirring if it's safe to do. Have them sit at the counter and stir things that need to be stirred while you take care of other tasks. Let them add seasonings with your help, let them pour in the sugar and stir the tea, things that will let them feel as if they "finished" them.

Cooking with your family can be an event that offers many chances for compliments in turn boosting self esteem. Be sure to compliment your little cooks and help them to feel as if they have done the job their best. Give them time to learn new things. After all, when you are old, they may be the only ones who cook for you!

When it comes time to serving dinner, let them set the table. Let them create cool little designs with the napkins or set the dinnerware in the shape of a start. Go all out and have fun! Let each of the children design the table on a different night. This will not only make it fun for them but allow your time to go to other tasks.

After dinner is done, inspire the kids to help clean. Tell them that "all good cooks, keep a clean kitchen." This will give them the will to want to help clean up afterwards and leave them with the feeling that they are great! Not to mention you will have a clean kitchen!

Finish the night off by enjoying the deserts that you prepared before dinner! Let it be there reward for doing a job well done!