{"id":7868,"date":"2015-09-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/kids-in-the-kitchen\/"},"modified":"2015-09-24T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2015-09-24T00:00:00","slug":"kids-in-the-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/kids-in-the-kitchen\/","title":{"rendered":"Kids in the Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Redners<\/a><\/p>\n

Teaching your kids the fundamentals of different foods and cooking techniques is an important step in helping them to explore new foods, learn about nutrition, enhance reading and math skills, and even have some fun. As we partner with the Together Counts\u2122 program to help families lead an active and healthy lifestyle, we believe it\u2019s important to take time each week to get your kids involved in meal planning and preparation \u2026 you may even learn something from them!<\/p>\n

Give Your Kids a Voice and a Choice!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allowing kids to be part of the planning process makes them feel important and want to take ownership over the foods they are eating. Setting limits and providing options will be key. Instead of \u201cwould you like a vegetable?\u201d or \u201cwhich vegetable would you like?\u201d try \u201cwould you like to make roasted cauliflower or creamed spinach?\u201d<\/p>\n

Scrub Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hand washing is a must before, during and after any food handling. Every year, more than 164 million school days are lost due to illness. It is believed that a great number of these days could be reduced if children merely washed their hands properly and regularly. Now is a great time for you to teach this important practice and keep yourself safe as well!<\/p>\n

Keep it Safe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kitchens aren\u2019t typically designed to accommodate children. Make sure they have a workspace that best meets their needs; a sturdy stool, a clean and clutter-free workspace, and utensils and equipment that are appropriate for their age.<\/p>\n

Try Something New<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walk outside the boundaries of \u201ckid foods.\u201d Make your life easier by exposing them to new foods and broadening their food horizons now. They may be much more willing to try a new food if they have their hands in the preparation. It may take several attempts to reach acceptance, but the effort is worth it!<\/p>\n

No More Mess<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the kitchen isn\u2019t all fun and games. Everyone should participate in the clean-up. This doesn\u2019t mean the kitchen should be cleaned for the white-glove treatment, but we should always convey the message that food preparation areas need to be kept clean and sanitized.<\/p>\n

Enjoy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now this is the real fun part. When the food is prepared, it is time to sit down and enjoy as a family. Not only are family meals nourishing, they encourage communication to strengthen family bonds!<\/p>\n

Be a Role Model<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kids will make good choices, such as taking fruits and vegetables over less nutritious foods, when given a chance. Encourage healthy eating by creating a supportive environment, where parents and other caregivers model healthy eating and set good examples.<\/p>\n