Starting Them Young! Our Tips to Get Kids Involved in The BBQing

24th February, 2022

Many family traditions are centered around food. From family recipes for full holiday spreads to deciding who’s manning the BBQ grill, cooking creates not just food for the stomach but also food for the heart. There’s no better way to make fun memories than by letting the kids experience the kitchen magic.

Cooking with the kids doesn’t only make them feel involved, but also helps them become responsible individuals who can look after themselves. You’re not only having fun but also imparting life-long lessons they’ll look back on! From letting them choose the ingredients to setting up the table, each step can boost your kids’ confidence and cognitive skills.

Once they have an understanding of how to enjoy grilling with you in a fun, safe way, you can get them involved in making kid-friendly meals on your next camping trip! Here are some tips to get started.

Designate a clear BBQing zone

It’s important to remind your kids that the BBQ is as hot as a normal stove and they should not get too close. To satisfy their curiosity, draw a clear line around the BBQ area from where they can watch as you grill the food. They can stand outside the outlined area and help you out by holding a plate of food to be grilled then bring the finished products to the serving table.

Use grilling tools

Teach your kids responsibility by using the correct grilling tools for safety. Use long-handled tongs and a spatula to stir clear of the flames. Make sure to wear an apron too. Having a timer can be handy for teaching them to keep track of the time; you can start teaching them about how different kinds of meat need to be grilled for different lengths of time, and let them know that the food that takes the longest to cook should be put on the grill first.

Give them small tasks

Delegating small tasks to kids helps make them feel trusted. Give tasks like washing the fruits and vegetables for those below 5 years old and measuring ingredients and assembling them on skewers for those older. Other tasks for kids include brushing the meat with sauces and marinades, seasoning the burgers and steaks, buttering buns, husking corn and setting the table. You might find that getting them involved in the meal planning for the upcoming week will teach them, and also excite them, about the importance of eating nutritious and delicious foods!

Enjoy cooking with the kids in your own Gasmate outdoor kitchen!