FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN

Children actually LIKE to cook. They can make your cooking easier by acting as your prep chefs. In order to make the cooking more fun, I gave my children white cook's aprons and white chef's hats. Be sure to put their names on the hats and aprons. (Craft stores have pens that write in glitter clothing dye.) The children were only allowed to wear the aprons and hats while cooking. My kids were 8 and 5 when we started them as prep chefs.

Get some children's cook books and allow the kids to try something on their own.

Regarding knives... It is necessary to use a knife to cut vegetables. I started by giving a knife to the oldest, with strict instructions not to misuse the knife. Then, when the youngest begged to cut something, I let him use a knife only after he promised NOT to misuse the knife. NEVER leave the kitchen while the children are cutting things. Do NOT let the children use a grater without explaining how you can get cut when the carrot gets too small.

Remember that prep chefs also help with the clean up.

You will not BELIEVE how much fun you will all have.