5 Tips for Using Cooking as a Way to Bond with Your Kids (Plus, An Energizing Pancake Recipe)

It's tempting to try to rush through meal prep in order to get food on the table. I get it. I know dinner (or lunch or breakfast) can be stressful. (Read this post for reducing meal time stress.) 

We all know that eating together is important but actually cooking together can be an opportunity for bonding too!  If you can slow down (just a little bit) and invite your kids into the kitchen, you not only get a chance to chat, but you have a valuable teaching opportunity to impart your culinary and nutrition wisdom on your kids.

The key is to start simple.  Use a simple recipe and hand over the reigns.  The recipe above is easy and even my littles can do almost the entire recipe without help.

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Tips for using cooking as a bonding tool

• Instruct without micromanaging: They won't be perfect banana mashers the first time, and that's okay. You want to teach them without squashing their spirit.
• Accept that perfection won't happen over night: Cooking is a skill. Let them learn as they go. One day they'll be able to crack a perfect egg, but it might be a little messy until then.
• Ask questions: Engage their minds. "Why do you think we add cinnamon?" "What is your favorite part about cooking?" Ask non-cooking questions too - about their day at school, etc.
• Teach good nutrition: Especially for younger children, explain how the food you are preparing heals and fuels their body.

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Easy banana pancakes recipe

What you need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour (I like King Arthur)
  
• 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (where to buy)
  
• Chocolate chips: I could write "optional", but they're never optional for me. They're a requirement.
  

What to do:

1. Mash the bananas with a fork
2. Beat the eggs
3. Combine bananas and eggs
4. Add in the rest of the ingredients, and mix well
5. Cook on a hot cast iron pan (where to buy)
   
6. Top with fresh blueberries, butter, and 100% real maple syrup (where to buy)
   

Note: These are not the fluffy pancakes; these are thinner. They're also less carbs so win-win!

Do your kids help out in the kitchen?

How do you use food and cooking as a bonding tool?  What are your favorite recipes to cook with your kids? Comment below!

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