Kids in the Kitchen: Overcoming Obstacles When Teaching Children to Cook with Katie Kimball [Podcast]

I think most parents understand the importance of teaching their kids to cook. I believe what gets in the way are “invisible” barriers. And in order to get kids cooking, we need to tackle these barriers head-on.

That’s why on episode 23 of The Healthy Family Podcast we’re spelling out what really gets in the way of getting kids in the kitchen. Our guest Katie Kimball runs the online cooking class Kids Cook Real Food. She is the author of several cookbooks including Better Than a Box and Healthy Snacks to Go and is founding editor of Kitchen Stewardship. This mom of four and prior teacher provides insight on how to overcome common obstacles and quickly see a return on your investment.

Highlights from the Show

Katie discusses what motivated her to teach families how to cook and the importance of baby steps and giving yourself grace.
How Kids Cook Real Food grew out of Katie hearing from parents “I’m learning to be healthy but you know what It’s hard because I was never taught to cook.”
How to get over the number 1 barrier to teaching kids to cook and the change in mindset that makes it disappear.
The best time to teach kids new cooking skills and why dinner time is the worst time.
Why kids as young as 3 and 4 can learn cooking skills and why that’s a good time to start.
Why Katie prefers getting sharp knives in kids hands over using “kid safe” knives.
The three benefits to teaching kids to cook and why it’s better to focus on teaching skills rather than getting kids to eat.
how learning to cook increases confidence and self-esteem in kids.
The three psychological needs kids have for healthy development (connectedness, competence, and autonomy) and how cooking helps these help meet each of these needs.
Why you can still teach your kids to cook even if you aren’t confident in this area.
How to overcome resistance in older kids and why it’s good to accept toddlers’ natural inclination to help.
A free teaching offer from Katie to get the ball rolling in your home (hint: it has to do with those sharp knives!).

Quote from the Show

Our whole generation… kind of got skipped in learning how to cook. A lot of our moms sort of knew how (to cook), but they fell into the convenience food society and mentality. And because of that, it makes that climb into healthy living even harder and we’re really uncomfortable in the kitchen. So no one is passing it down to their kids. — Katie Kimball