This Breakfast Is So Easy, My Young Kids Can Make It Themselves

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With more of our lives shifting online — including the ways we learn and socialize — finding activities to unplug can be a challenge. When I hit the screen time wall, I know it’s time to strap on our aprons, pull out the mixing bowls and measuring cups, and get into the kitchen together. My daughters, now both 4, are very different, but they love “cooking” and it’s a good opportunity for me to slow down and enjoy the process as well. Things can get a bit messy, but it’s worth it, since creating with them in the kitchen is about more than just making something tasty. 

Cooking (I use the term loosely, as we tend to stay away from heat sources when working together) teaches children so many great skills:

• Patience
• Teamwork
• Measuring
• Basic math (including fractions!)
• Basic reading
• Order of operations
• Clean as you go

In order to set ourselves up for success, I like to choose simple recipes with basic ingredients, and no fancy techniques beyond a bit of measuring and stirring. Chia pudding is a favorite in our household, because it’s a snap to put together, there’s no risk of overmixing (kids love to mix!). Plus, when the pudding is done, they get to “decorate” it with colorful, fun, and crunchy toppings. They love the texture and creamy sweetness (it’s dairy-free!), and it’s a nourishing, high-energy pick for breakfast. Kids can help with every step in the process, and feel proud of the results — as a parent and chef, that is an absolute win for me.