People often ask me how I manage everything with kids, and the truth is, I don’t always get it all done. I don’t succeed every day, I’m not always patient, and sometimes I skip a shower and brushing my hair. Another truth is that I don’t do everything myself. My kids, who are experts at making laundry piles and messes, are also learning to be great at cleaning up. My older kids are especially helpful and regularly pitch in with household tasks.
Even though my kids have had chores for a while, I was hesitant to let them take over the kitchen. I enjoy cooking and often come up with new recipes while making dinner. Plus, I wasn’t sure if my kids were ready for it. But I realized they were not only capable of using kitchen tools—sharp knives included—but there were benefits to letting them help out. As we prepare for a new addition to our family, I’ve been allowing the kids to take on more kitchen duties.
They absolutely love it, and I’m impressed by how well they can prepare simple recipes and clean up afterward. While they might handle more complex recipes in the future, we’re starting with easy one-pan meals, and they have some favorites they love to cook.
My kids have taken to helping in the kitchen with real enthusiasm. They even plan and prepare breakfast on Saturday mornings all by themselves, waking us up with a delicious meal—and I’m not complaining! Every week, we plan our meals together using my meal planner, picking out dishes they can cook themselves. For some meals, I still help and supervise, but they’re proud of the ones they make on their own.
Here are their top 12 favorite recipes they’ve learned to cook solo:
1. A family favorite is our one-pan stir fry, which they can make by themselves. Tonight’s dinner features this dish, with older kids chopping veggies and browning meat, while younger ones add spices. Despite containing bold flavors like curry, kids seem to really enjoy it!
2. Coconut flour is great for baking because it’s high in protein and fiber, though it requires more liquid and binders like eggs. We have a simple apple cinnamon coconut flour muffin recipe that’s been a family staple. It’s an easy bake that even younger kids can help prepare.
3. Egg drop soup is a simple fave. Instead of spending a lot at a restaurant, we whip this up at home. The broth is packed with nutrients, and the eggs add a protein punch. With homemade broth on hand, it’s a quick fix for busy nights.
4. Another customizable stir fry lets the kids get creative. Older kids slice cabbage, brown meat, and younger ones pick spices and stir. This meal is quick to prepare and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
5. Chia seed pudding is a make-ahead recipe great for kids. It doesn’t require cooking, just some prep, and it’s perfect for a ready-to-go high-protein breakfast.
6. Sweet and savory cashew chicken lettuce wraps are a hit. Older kids chop chicken and veggies, while younger ones add spices and cashews. Everyone gets to fill the lettuce wraps.
7. Stuffed zucchini boats are a playful dish where zucchini halves are filled with veggies, meat, and spices. With multiple steps, older kids handle slicing and boiling, while younger ones brown meat. They even make “sails” to top them off.
8. Almond flour pancakes are a breakfast win. All the kids help measure and mix the ingredients, with older ones cooking them up. Breakfast is ready in 10 minutes, leaving me time to prepare for our day.
9. Spinach artichoke chicken, a slow-cooker dish, requires patience, but the kids enjoy adding ingredients throughout the day.
10. A quick 20-minute chili is perfect for busy nights. The little kids handle spices and cans while the older ones brown meat.
11. The kids are fond of homemade healthy marshmallows, loving every step from mixing to using the thermometer. It’s a special treat they love to make.
12. Berry cobbler is simple yet nourishing, with almond flour, healthy fats, and berries. The little kids handle this recipe from start to finish.
Letting kids help in the kitchen reveals how capable and eager they are. It takes some adjustment, but I’m glad I encouraged my kids to get more involved. If you’re considering it, maybe try some easy recipes with your kids. Do your kids help out in the kitchen? Ready to let them tackle even more?
