If you have a teenager you know that feeding them can be a big job. They are at times picky eaters and also late night eaters.  One way to make it easier on you and hand over the responsibility to them is to invite them into the kitchen and encourage them to cook for themselves and the rest of the family.  It’s a great way to teach them life skills and strengthen your bond with them. 

Have teenagers join in on meal planning.  When planning my weekly menu my 4 year old helps me.  When we eat that meal she feels important that is was her choice.  Giving teens the opportunity to choose some meals of the week will also give you leverage to get them to eat the meals you make too.   Do your shopping when the teenagers can come with you.  They will not only be able to plan healthy meals with you, they will learn budgeting and smart shopping.  When they have their friends over is a great time to let them cook dinner.  They will have so much fun together in the kitchen.  Let them tie on some teen aprons and walk away.  You may come back to the biggest kitchen mess you’ve ever seen, but hey, in a few years they will be gone and you’ll miss the mess…right? Ok, maybe not. 

Many teenagers love to draw.  Having them create a cookbook and illustrate it is another way to get them in the kitchen with you.  Take pictures of them in the kitchen with other family members and friends.  Add the pictures to the cookbook. Imagine how much that cookbook will be appreciated when an adult.  I would love to have more pictures of me cooking with my parents and family.

Think of cooking as a time to spend with the family and not away from the family and you’ll find yourself wanting to cook more and more.  

Aprons for teens are not just functional, they can be a way to have a bit more fun.