From Frustration to Fun: Keeping Your Cool When Cooking With Kids

Mother and young daughter laughing as the daughter sprinkles flour on her mom’s nose in a kitchen full of baking mess.

Family Wellness

Posted In

July 21, 2023

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How can I cook with my kids without losing my mind?

Cooking with kids sounds idyllic: little hands helping, laughter filling the air, and delicious smells wafting from the oven. But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s less “family bonding” and more “culinary chaos.”

I’ve been there. The spilled flour, the egg shells in the batter, the constant “What’s that, Mom? Can I try? Can I stir? Can I do it all by myself?” It’s enough to test the patience of a saint—or a very tired parent.

But here’s the thing: while these moments can feel overwhelming, they’re also opportunities for connection, creativity, and teaching your kids essential life skills.

5 Ways to Make Cooking with Kids a Joy (Most of the Time)

  • 1. Set Aside Special Kitchen Moments

    Trying to juggle meal prep while keeping your kids entertained? Recipe for disaster. Instead, carve out specific times to cook with your kids when the stakes are low.

    • Snack Time Adventures: Let them help assemble simple snacks like fruit kabobs or mini sandwiches.
    • Weekend Baking Fun: Save the more intricate recipes for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’re not racing against dinnertime.

    This way, you’re creating positive cooking experiences without the pressure of feeding everyone on time.

  • 2. Engage in Early Prep

    Environmental Department

    Kids love to be involved, but not everything in the kitchen is kid-friendly. Get them involved in safe, age-appropriate prep work before the heat (and stress) is on.

    • Ideas: Washing produce, tearing lettuce, measuring ingredients, or mashing soft foods.
    • Bonus: Early prep also helps them feel included, reducing interruptions later when things get hectic.

  • 3. Assign Them Their Own Task

    Give each child a specific task that matches their skill level.

    • Examples: Peeling hard-boiled eggs, arranging veggie sticks, or rolling dough.
      This approach not only keeps them engaged but also builds their sense of accomplishment.

    Pro Tip: Don’t worry about perfection. A lopsided sandwich still tastes great!

  • 4. Don’t Stress the Mess

    Cooking with kids is messy—accept it, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.

    • Embrace the Mess: Spills happen, flour flies, and bowls might crash. It’s all part of the fun.
    • Teach Clean-Up: Turn cleaning into a game. Who can wipe the counter fastest? Who can pick up the most crumbs?

    Remember, laughter is the best antidote to frustration (and it makes the mess seem smaller).

  • 5. Simplify to Enjoy

    Complex recipes + kids = disaster waiting to happen.

    • Simplify Recipes: Stick to one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, or simple pasta dishes.
    • Batch Cook: Prep and freeze meals ahead of time to lighten your load during busy weeks.

    When the cooking process feels manageable, it’s easier to focus on creating memories instead of managing mayhem.

Cooking Together Is About More Than Food

At its heart, cooking with kids is about connection, learning, and shared experiences. Sure, there will be spills, squabbles, and the occasional “eggsplosion.” But there will also be laughter, pride, and moments of pure joy.

So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed in the kitchen, take a deep breath. Remember that these chaotic moments are part of the journey—and they’re creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Mini Coaching Moment

Next time you cook with your kids, try assigning them one small task—something they can do confidently. Notice how it builds their pride and helps them feel part of the process.


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