Why kids should help out in the kitchen

UAE's influencers voice their opinions

My son is a typical six-year-old. But, among the many things we've always wanted to teach him, there are a few skills that we particularly stress upon - those needed to help him live on his own. As a result, he is constantly involved in the kitchen and other chores around the house as these tasks, by no means, are for 'women only'.
Cooking with children need not be overwhelming. It is an incredible way to bond with them, while teaching them how to appreciate food, and adapt to a variety from the very beginning - because they are more keen on trying out food they have personally seen made or have been involved with.
Right from the time my son was crawling, I would hand him a bowl with ingredients such as butter, eggs and flour which he would mix, while I prepared our meals. This transitioned into grocery shopping, where he would identify and select fruits and vegetables based on his sense of smell and touch. Over the years, and as his fine motor skills sharpened, he has taken a more permanent place in the kitchen, assisting me with basic tasks such as washing, cutting, mixing, spooning and sieving ingredients. This is how I made cooking with him a pleasant affair.
. I always cook with him when I have the time and patience. I am aware that he will work at his own pace so I get him to assist me when I am not in a hurry or expecting guests at home.
. I've learnt to be okay with messy counters and floors. When you're cooking with kids, chances are there will be a mess and rather than cleaning up after every spill, doing so at the end of the process, will save a lot of time and effort.
. Some days he is not in the mood to cook or is busy with school work. I do not force him; rather, we pick up from where we left off once he is ready. He should not think of it as a chore.
. I always sit down and plan our daily menu with him to give him a sense of control.
. I always, always appreciate and thank him for helping me in the kitchen.
At the age of three, he was washing fruits and vegetables and/or mixing ingredients during our baking sessions. And now, at the age of six, he is capable of rolling energy bites, skewering kebabs, buttering his bread, rolling the dough, cutting soft fruits using his own plastic knife and help me peel veggies for salads. He's come a long way indeed!
(Tasneem Rajkotwala is a food blogger, recipe developer and content curator at www.thoughtsoverchai.net. Follow her cooking journey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter@thoughtoverchai)
Growing up, my mum was a teacher always tied up with work while my dad's job involved a lot of travel. I grew up with my grandmother, watching her spend hours in the kitchen. Everything she made was sheer perfection. Little did I know then that she was shaping my destiny. And so, at the age of 11, I could already cook up a storm. Today, I see so much of her in me and I'm so grateful I started at a young age.
When my son was five years old, his introduction to cooking began. We would spend time in the kitchen making sandwiches and salads together. Today, at 14, my son can easily find his way around the kitchen or make breakfast - and I could not be prouder.
My younger son, who is 7 years old, is following suit. He loves to talk to me about food and thoroughly enjoys watching me cook. Sometimes he makes us messy peanut butter sandwiches and looks ecstatic when he sees us devour them.
I strongly believe that everyone must know the basics of cooking. Cooking teaches them important life skills and gives them immense self-confidence. In today's times, when kids are more inclined to eat junk food, it's all the more necessary for them to know how to put a meal together. Once they know more about ingredients and flavours, they will experiment with recipes and are less likely to be picky eaters or enjoy unhealthy junk. Cooking also teaches a child how to serve and to keep in consideration the dietary needs and tastes of those around them. This helps them to become more compatible and compassionate. 
Teach them young, teach them slow. Start with kid-safe knives. Make salads together, spread jams on sandwiches, let them mix cake batters, make them taste curries and, most importantly, ask for their opinion. Cooking will open their minds like nothing else. It's the most underestimated yet most powerful life skill. 
I conclude with this very apt quote: "It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings!"
(Surabhi is a food stylist and recipe developer who believes that dishes should look like art. To keep up with her, check out her website www.supaintsonplates.com or follow her on Instagram @supaintsonplates)