Parenting Pointers: Kids in the Kitchen - Tips from Arlena Strode

Families cooking together and passing down family recipes is a time old tradition. But in today’s fast paced world it is something falling by the wayside. Many families don’t even eat together let alone prepare meals. How can parents teach children how to learn to cook while having fun? How can cooking time become family time? I had a chance to interview Arlena Strode author of the children series changing the world one kitchen at a time. These books are fun illustrated books that families can share while at the same tie cooking together. 

Tell me about your books!

 👩‍🍳 There are five super fun books that are all about kids who grew up and became chefs who in some way changed the world ! These books are great for kids of all ages. The youngest readers will really enjoy the beautiful illustrations, mid range readers will be inspired by the main story line, while older readers-even adults, will love the facts and historical details that are included as side notes.

What was the inspiration for writing the book series?

 👩‍🍳 I have culinary heroes much like spots fans and those that look to people around them for inspiration. As I am teaching kids who enjoy cooking I want to share these heroes with them. I love the way these heroes have grown from children ( much like the ones I teach) and have taken their experiences, and talents to change the world around them. I know many of these little chefs that are taught through my program will change the world around them as well!

Why do you believe books like yours are so important for young minds?

👩‍🍳 I believe books that grow with you and allow you to read and learn more each time can be enjoyed and become more integrated in your learning pattern. I also think the purposeful inspiration that is included in these books will lift and encourage kids to feel smart, capable, and needed in our future.

What was challenging in writing the books?

👩‍🍳 I am a great chef, and a wonderful teacher, but I am not a great writer. I needed to involve lots of other people, to include editors, Illustrators, proof readers and more. I like to talk about this with kids at my school author events. It helps the, know that when they do not think they are great at something they can get help. They can do anything they want by working as a team with different people who have different strengths.

What was your favorite part in writing the books? 

👩‍🍳 My favorite part of writing these books has been being able to tell the stories. No one was telling the stories of these amazing people. Shortly after writing them, I went to the birthplaces, restaurants and stomping grounds of these culinary heroes and recorded video of my experience and those that are working to keep the memories alive have been so grateful that these stories are going out to educate the next generation.

How do children respond to your books?

👩‍🍳 Many of my students have brought in their personal copies and have showed me their favorite parts and I smile from ear to ear when I realise how much they enjoy them. The students at the schools that I visit love to hear about how times have changed and how these people who changed them were once just like them. They really relate to the books and that was exactly my goal.

Why is it important to include kids in cooking?

 👩‍🍳 Just a few reasons why it is important for kids to be involved in cooking include, building life skills, hands on math& science learning, as well as growing healthier food pallets. Kids are much more likely to taste and try foods when they are involved in preparing them. Every school subject can be touched on in kitchen learning with a unique hands on opportunity. Our curriculum is unique in this aspect.

How can parents and caregivers encourage kids to learn to cook?

👩‍🍳 Kids are much more capable of helping in the kitchen than many care givers are aware. Given safe tools and appropriate tasks, kids can help frequently. Parents should definitely learn about these abilities because the confidence that comes from these activities is amazing.

What are some cooking techniques that even little kids can do safely?

👩‍🍳 Pouring and mixing are great skills to start with. It may be a little messy at first, but learning to be careful is also a great lesson that comes along with time in the kitchen. Kid safe knifes are a great way to get kids involved in making salads and other healthy foods. Each month we post a free printable lesson that you can try at home with your own children.

How can families make mealtime a chance for family bonding - from preparation to cleanup? 

👩‍🍳 Families eating together has been a secret to family success for generations. Take that one step further and work together to make the meal as well as cleaning up and you have got a whole other dimension of understanding the team work of a family.

What is next for Chef Arlena? 

👩‍🍳 I am excited to be visiting a few countries that have some great culinary experience and recording them for little learning chefs that follow on our social media. I am visiting some schools in the USA to read my books and share some tasty learning. I am also hoping to meet up with a few new home cooks that would like to take part of the wonderful curriculum and free training to become new Children’s Culinary Institute instructors. I'm excited to share the curriculum I authored as much as the fun books!