The Young Chefs in Your Kitchen!

In today's hectic pace, it can be hard to create a home-cooked meal, let alone make it a family effort. After school, your students may participate in sports or other after-school activities before tackling homework, leaving little time for them to help out in the kitchen. Did you know that your student could help with meal preparation in as little as 1 minute?

For the youngest Chefs, pull out some cookie cutters and have them cut slices of low-fat cheese into fun little characters! These could be placed on sandwiches, casseroles, and more.

For older Chefs, invite them to safely slice low-fat cheese or other items for you. Not only will this help develop their fine motor skills, but it will help save time during meal preparation! Help them firmly hold the knife in their dominant hand and hold the food to be cut with their non-dominant hand in a 'monster claw:' fingertips curled under to keep them safe from the knife's blade.

With these simple ideas, you can boost the confidence of your young Chefs and eat healthy meals together as a family!

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.