A Recipe for Success

When our children were between the ages of  7-10, I felt it was time to teach them how to cook. I’ll admit, there were many times when I questioned my sanity surrounding this decision. Like most families, we were juggling work, school, sports, & music lessons, as well as church and community responsibilities. More often than not, it would’ve been much easier and more efficient for me to just make a meal myself. Tackling this goal wouldn’t be easy or convenient, yet I knew my children would benefit from knowing how to cook.  

To set this plan into action, each of our children had a day of the week to help me with meal prep. This one-on-one time provided an ideal learning environment, as well as, an incredible opportunity for me to bond with my children individually. There were so many unplanned conversations that came about as my children were otherwise distracted in the kitchen. I loved those moments together. As we worked side by side, my children were much more willing to open up and share what was on their mind in ways they never had before. 

We started small as our children were ready to prove their culinary skills. One of the first skills to master in our ‘test kitchen’ was making a great guacamole. I remember how each of our children would beam with pride when their creation was compared to their Dad’s guacamole, which is quite a compliment. Another small skill was mastering a great cup of peppermint tea, with honey. This was very beneficial whenever a virus worked its way through our family. These skills were not only a boost to our children’s confidence as they saw and, better yet, tasted the results, but they were also a stepping stone in their culinary experiences. 

 Abilities were developed until our children were proficient enough to cook an entire meal on their own. Their day of the week was no longer a day for one-on-one instruction, but rather a day each of them was given to cook for the family. Having each child cook just one night per week, provided the perfect balance for our family. It fueled the creative juices as our children eagerly tried new recipes, yet it wasn’t so time consuming that cooking became a burden. Another advantage was being able to witness, first-hand, the support my children gave to one another. Since everyone, including parents, had their day(s) to cook, there was a greater understanding of what it takes to cook a meal for the family. Sometimes, everything fell into place. Other times, nothing went according to plan. Sometimes, the recipes they chose were too challenging. Other times, they tried to juggle too many things at the same time. Despite the ups and downs, their experiences in the kitchen prompted greater compassion and even gratitude. 

Our children are now grown, yet they still rely on the skills they learned in our kitchen all those years ago. Each of them has a signature dish or two, which they have perfected. It was surprising, as they went off on their own, to learn how many of their peers don’t know how to cook. Cooking is not only better for your wallet than eating out every night, it’s also better for your health. However, there is an additional benefit that’s more obscure. Since most young adults don’t know how to cook, everyone wants to be friends with the person who can. You might say, it’s socially savvy to know how to cook. 

My daughter is an RA (resident assistant) at the university she attends. She makes the most amazing dishes despite her tiny, ill equipped dorm kitchen. As the smell of spices wafts through the floors, students make their way to our daughter and to her culinary concoctions. Our youngest son is in college as well. His roommates are constantly amazed by the delicious meals he creates in a limited kitchen and on a limited budget. While our oldest son isn’t able to cook like he used to, he continues to nurture his love of well prepared foods. 

Teaching my children to cook was worth the investment. Along the way, I discovered that knowing how to cook helps us appreciate good food even more, as well as the time we spend together sharing a delicious meal. Every time our children come home for a visit, I cherish the time we spend catching up in the kitchen or gathering around the dining room table, engaged in a lively conversation.