For the past three weeks, I have been running errands to procure ‘exotic’ cooking ingredients for esoteric meals, courtesy of my children. Their enthusiasm has been remarkably high, leading me to ponder how we reached a point where preteens are so excited about cooking meals beyond the ordinary by themselves, without any active coercion from their parents.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, we had an intriguing discussion about limiting screen time through television and devices and exploring alternative ways to keep our children occupied and creative. For almost a year, we had no cable subscription, hence no television. Though it seemed extreme at the time, the benefits were acknowledged by even the children themselves.
Cooking as a Life Skill
Before the lockdown, we had already started teaching our children that cooking is a life skill irrespective of gender. We involved them in food preparation early on. Even the little ones had tasks, such as passing the salt container, encouraging age-appropriate kitchen involvement.
We also made them watch cooking channels to expose them to both male and female cooks. This practice is particularly helpful for parenting boys as it helps dismantle gender stereotypes concerning cooking. Eventually, we encouraged them to prepare simple dishes under adult supervision. The goal was engagement and learning, not perfection, as initial attempts were expected to be imperfect.
Positive Reinforcement and Constructive Feedback
It is essential to limit criticism and offer constructive correction. Through every activity, find ways to boost their self-esteem by prioritizing praising effort over results. Even if their initial attempts seem inadequate, let them know they can improve and help them build confidence. Over time, they will grow to love cooking rather than view it as a chore done out of resentment, fostering positive family dynamics.
Alternative Engagement Activities
Books
Building a mixed collection of books (fiction and non-fiction) in your home library and encouraging reading helps children get used to reading as a means of personal growth, mastery, and gaining superior ideas and intelligence. The focus is not on perfection but on developing a habit of reading.
Creative Arts
Provide a variety of craft materials such as exercise books, reams of paper, cardboards, art pencils, crayons, watercolors, glue, beads, and strings. This allows children to write, draw, color, construct, and create whatever their minds envision. Displaying their artwork around the house gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Indoor Games
Games like Scrabble, Chess, and Monopoly are excellent for engaging children. Playing Monopoly, for instance, excites them about real estate investments and reveals their money behavior, highlighting areas where their beliefs may need adjusting.
Outdoor Activities
Encourage children to undertake farming or gardening projects. Growing plants instills a sense of joy and responsibility. If you lack outdoor space, use plastic buckets or baby baths filled with good soil for growing easy plants. Outdoor sports such as football, badminton, skipping, and playing catch are also effective in keeping children engaged.
Sustaining Engagement Beyond the Screen
In times of screen addiction, introducing and sustaining these concepts can seem daunting. However, it depends on the values you wish to instill in your children. Many of these activities teach critical life skills beyond the classroom, including organization, planning, responsibility, self-control, and self-confidence. Selecting age-appropriate tasks and providing rewards can help maintain engagement.
I hope you find these suggestions useful. I would love to hear about your experiences and how these activities work for you. All the best in keeping your children engaged beyond the screen this holiday!