Preparing Meals as a Family
With the economic constraints facing most schools these days, many schools have cut their home economics and life skills classes. As a result, these subjects are left to being taught at home by parents. Practically, teaching these lessons requires things like preparing meals as a family and demonstrating the principles of budgeting. Keep reading to learn more about preparing meals as a family and the many benefits it provides.Studies have shown that preparing meals as a family that are healthy increases the likelihood that children will establish lifelong healthy eating patterns. Additionally, involving kids in the cooking helps to strengthen family bonds, reduces behavioral problems, and improves performance in school. There are also valuable skills learned in mathematics and physical science through measuring and observing what happens when ingredients are mixed when preparing meals as a family.Preparing meals as a family is more than just cooking though, it encompasses making the food, setting the table, the actual meal itself, clearing the table, washing the dishes, and putting away the leftovers. These are tasks that your children can help you with and providing them a responsibility fosters a sense that they are needed. Children from five to nine years old can set the table with utensils, napkins, plates, and cups. Older kids from nine to thirteen can help serve the meals, pour drinks, and manage other tasks during the meal. Dividing up aspects of the meal with children is an excellent way to promote cooperative learning.
Recipes to Help You Get Started
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
One-Pan JambalayaBreakfast Quiche Bites
Make Your Own TacosSpinach, Onion, and Swiss Frittata
Tomato-Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Crunchy, Oven Baked Chicken Toes
One-Pot Cheesy Pasta BakeChicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole
Garlic Chicken and PotatoesMexican Breakfast Burritos
Braised Chicken with Peppers, Tomatoes, and Olives