Doing activities with our children is the best way for us to spend time with them. Not only would this be recreational, but also teaches them of a number of importance of family-time. One popular activity that many parents have done with their children today is cooking.
Cooking: A Trending Way of Spending Time with Our Children According to modern Parenting Philippines, cooking and baking are not just for grownups anymore. With the popularity of “Junior Masterchef” and the reality TV shows with real-life chefs, children are curious to don a chef’s jacket and play with food.
But, how do you know if your child is ready for a summer culinary arts program? “If you see your children hanging around in the kitchen, especially when you are preparing meals, most likely they are interested in cooking,” says Dorothy Ferreria, a long-time culinary instructor who gives regular kiddie classes.
“Kids as young as six can help out in the kitchen. Tasks such as holding the mixing bowl for mom or handing out ingredients are enough to make them feel good about themselves. Their participation, no matter how minor, is a good start, because constant exposure can motivate them to help often.”
In addition to Ferreria’s statement, Vicky Veloso-Barrera, owner of Tiny Kitchen and also an author of a number of cookbooks and children’s book as well as a culinary instructor, had also said that children are far easier to teach than grownups. According to her, “they are more trusting, honest and creative.”
However, according to modern Philippines Lifestyle, since kids have short attention spans, most recipes taught them are simple and quick to prepare. “Supervision is the key to cooking with kids,” says Rory Subida, instructor and manager of The Maya Kitchen. “Kids of different ages develop cooking skills at different levels.”
The Mistake of Coercing Them Though cooking might be a popular trend among many children today, not all children are interested in this activity. Because of this, many parents have made the mistake of coercing them even if their children didn’t like the idea.
Jenny Peña of InterContinental Hotel, which gives monthly kiddie culinary classes, says kids should not be coerced into taking up something they don’t feel like doing.
“There was one time a boy was wearing a long face throughout the session,” recounts Peña. “The kid was unhappy because the parents just forced the son to join the cooking class. We don’t screen these kids; it’s the parents who bring them to us.”
According to her, summer culinary classes are not only designed for children with a knack for tasting good food and preparing delicious meals, but are also meant to develop their personality and teach them discipline.
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