by Lisa Hauf
As parents, we have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to raising our children to become independent, capable individuals. One crucial skill that often gets overlooked is cooking. In this fast-paced world, where convenience is top of mind, it's vital to take the time and find the patience to teach our children how to cook.
This summer, I challenged my oldest son with the task of preparing a crock-pot meal for the family. Of course, this took planning on my end and deep thought on how to guide him through the process while I was at work. And if your teenager is anything like mine, their attention to detail is non-existent.
Even though it took work on my end, I had my son help with supper to nurture independence and build those essential life skills.
Nurturing Independence: Cooking is an essential life skill that equips teenagers with the ability to fend for themselves. By teaching them how to cook, we instill a sense of independence and self-sufficiency that will serve them throughout their lives. Or at the very least, they might be able to impress a future spouse with their fancy culinary skills. When they leave home for higher education or to start their own lives, they won't be reliant on fast food or pre-packaged meals. Instead, they'll have the confidence to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals that nourish both their bodies and minds.
Building Essential Life Skills: Cooking encompasses a range of skills beyond the act of preparing meals. It requires planning, organization, time management, and attention to detail (none of which teenage boys seem to have). By involving teenagers in meal preparation, we equip them with practical skills that will benefit them in various aspects of life. They will learn to follow instructions (I can’t promise they will learn this skill, but at least we can say we tried), measure ingredients accurately, and develop patience (or maybe it’s me who will develop more patience). These skills not only contribute to their culinary abilities but also transfer to academic and professional pursuits.
Teaching teenagers how to cook is a valuable investment in their future – and possibly yours if you don’t want to be sending frozen meals to them weekly. By teaching this fundamental skill, we empower them to lead healthier lives, develop independence, and build essential life skills. Cooking provides an avenue for self-expression, creativity, and problem-solving — attributes that extend far beyond the kitchen.
So, let's take the time, find the patience, and guide our teenagers through the culinary journey, nurturing their growth and setting them on a path of lifelong culinary enjoyment and fulfillment. Or with the utmost hope, we can teach them how NOT to burn down the house while browning hamburger meat.
Lisa is NDFB's Director of Public Relations. She is married and has three sons.