In a world where children are often given everything they ask for, it’s up to parents to teach them the value of hard work and responsibility. One way to do this is by getting your teen involved in cooking dinner.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a great cook yourself because there are plenty of dishes that your child can make with minimal supervision. Here are some easy recipes that will get even the most reluctant teenagers into the kitchen.
1. Show Them How
One of the best ways to get your teen to cook dinner is to show them how. Sit down with them in the kitchen and walk them through the steps. This will help them feel more comfortable in the kitchen and will make it easier for them to follow recipes on their own.
2. Give Them a Choice
Teens are more likely to participate in activities they have a choice in. Offer your child two or three recipes and let them choose the one they want to make. This will help them feel more invested in the cooking process and they’ll be more likely to enjoy the meal they prepare.
3. Let Them Help Plan the Menu
Teens love to feel like they’re in control. Let them help you plan the menu for the week and let them choose one or two recipes to make. They’ll enjoy having a say in what’s for dinner and they’ll be more likely to Cook Dinner if they have a hand in choosing the recipes.
4. Make it a Challenge
Try giving them a cooking challenge, like preparing a meal for a large family or cooking for a date night. This will not only make them more invested in the cooking process, but it will also help them learn new skills.
5. Let Them Cook for Friends
One of the best ways to get your teen to cook dinner is to let them cook for their friends. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and they’ll be proud to serve their friends a meal they cooked themselves.
6. Start with Simple Recipes
It’s best to start with simple recipes when teaching your teen to cook. This will help them build confidence and they’ll be more likely to try new recipes on their own. Plus, they won’t be overwhelmed by difficult ingredients or complicated steps.
7. Challenge Them
Don’t be afraid of giving your child more challenging recipes after they’ve gained some confidence in the kitchen. Offer them a more difficult dish once they feel comfortable preparing a recipe, and let them rise to the challenge. This will help them learn new skills and they’ll be proud of themselves when they’re able to successfully complete a difficult recipe.
8. Reward Them
Cooking dinner can be hard work, so be sure to reward your teen with something they enjoy. Maybe let them choose the movie for family night or take them out for ice cream after they’ve successfully made a meal. Whatever you do, be sure to acknowledge their hard work in the kitchen with a special treat.
9. Teach Them Kitchen Safety
It’s important to teach your teen kitchen safety tips so they can stay safe while cooking. Teach them how to use knives properly, how to avoid burns, and how to handle hot appliances. This will not only minimize their chances of getting injured but it will also make them more likely to cook in the future when they know what they’re doing.
In conclusion, getting your teen involved in cooking dinner is a great way to teach them responsibility and help them develop new skills. These nine tips will help make the process easier for both you and your child.