As we gather in the kitchen, lounge in the family room, or watch football in an adjoining room, those moments may flash through our minds in which we can’t believe how quickly the year has passed, a memory of a loved one who has transitioned, or how we spent a Thanksgiving or a holiday years ago.
When we gather around the table and experience a feast of turkey, dressing, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pies, and peach cobbler, sometimes our hearts will travel back to a loved one who once taught us our kitchen skills.
For many of the young adults in my family, when we talk about navigating the kitchen, my sister’s name, Aunt Bug (Pauline), comes up. Thanksgiving was just another holiday to allow her culinary gifts to shine. Her exceptional cooking skills were displayed in the expensive and expansive culinary tools she collected, her stainless-steel pots, and the array of smells that greeted loved ones when she opened the front door. There are many tales that one generation passes on to the other about how Aunt Bug was the source of their ability to cook.
In the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving, be mindful that a kid sous chef might be standing by, waiting to assist you. Perhaps the child can participate in simple tasks such as washing off the fruits and vegetables or preparing dessert.
For the child, these moments become a time of connection. They give them a sense of contributing to the family meals or a time to communicate, and they even help build the child’s self-esteem.
Some adults have used these kitchen moments as chances to enhance the wee chef’s math skills: “What’s one-half plus one-half? Cut the apple into quarters.” A child may learn to have a better grasp of measurements and timing from exposure to cooking activities.
Children involved in food preparation learn about organization, following instructions, nutrition, and healthy eating as family bonds are strengthened.
Decades later, when the meals have been consumed and the child has grown into an adult with children of their own, they will recall how someone passed on generational stories and recipes to them. Whether they realized it or not, they gained kitchen skills, life skills, confidence, the art of preparing tasty meals, memories, and joy from their time in the kitchen.
Who’s the legendary cook in your family? Who has taken up the baton to pass on family recipes and skills to the next generation? As the holidays approach this year, make plans to spend some time in the kitchen with the youth in your family.