Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Lighting your Outdoor Parties this Autumn‘ from Sam Holloway. This week I feature Lisa Ketz who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she has creative ideas for transforming your kitchen to cook with your kids. There is nothing better than teaching kids to cook and these ideas will form lifelong memories that you and your kids will cherish.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #41

‘Kitchen Creativity: Cooking with Kids’    Lisa Ketz

Kids of all ages benefit from cooking activities, it teaches them about  measurements and encourages them to explore their senses by trying new foods. Cooking is a beneficial skill, teaching about different types of ingredients and healthy eating. By educating children about cooking and introducing them to fun and tasty recipes, they will make better eating decisions and take pride in cooking their own food. It also introduces them to the process of cooking and how things change from one thing into another through cooking or baking. Picky eaters are also more eager to try  foods they’ve cooked themselves.

Ensure your kitchen is equipped with kid-friendly supplies

Kids love to help in the kitchen if given the chance.  It can be a really fun way to spend quality time with your little ones.  But before you begin cooking  take the time to educate them about the  ingredients, tools  and utensils that they will be using. Teach kids to gather all the materials for the recipe before they begin. Clear the kitchen space and make sure everything is clean. Sharing your knowledge about these things before you begin will provide them with a good foundation to begin cooking.

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To keep it fun and safe, however, some things need to be considered,as there are many hazards in a kitchen close supervision is a necessity.  You will want to teach your child the importance of cleanliness especially when handling food.  Now is the time to show them that nutritious foods can be fun and yummy.  Colorful fruits and vegetables have great appeal.  Keep recipes simple.  There are a number of great cookbooks available specifically geared towards children.

Let kids have creative control in the kitchen

Let your child pick what they want to make, and if you can shop for the ingredients with them, all the better.  The more ownership of the process your child can claim the prouder of the end result they will be.It is best not to wear baggy clothing when cooking in the kitchen especially if the stove or oven is to be used.  Make sure your child is securely and comfortably situated before they begin.  A large flat workspace is preferable.  Have tools available that have no sharp edges for the little ones and teach older children how to handle them safely.  Make sure your work area is well lit.  Clean up as you go.

Finally, enjoy the best part.  Eating what you have created together.

About Lisa Ketz

I am mom to one grown son and grandma to a beautiful 4 year old little girl. I live in Binghamton, New York with my boyfriend of 12 years. I started my own Home Staging business called Added Charm Home Staging several years ago. I also hold down a full time job in the finance industry. When I am not working I am on Olioboard. It is a great creative outlet. I love to design and shop and Olioboard allows me to enjoy my passions in its virtual environment.

I also enjoy sharing design inspiration with other like minded individuals through the Olioboard Fan Room on Facebook. If you want to learn more about me, check out my blog or my website at AddedCharm.net. You can also follow me on Facebook. To view my design boards on Olioboard search for them under Addedcharm.