[vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_ctation ctaction_background=”#F55E5E” ctaction_background_hover=”#F55E5E”]4th of July fun is just around the corner! Amidst the flag-waving and fireworks fun, this is a great time to inspire leadership skills in kids in the kitchen.[/ultimate_ctation][/vc_column][/vc_row]
As we talk about the efforts that went into making America an independent nation, kids are already learning values like leadership and teamwork. Help them practice those skills in action with these easy kitchen activities.
Activity 1: Design a Dinner Menu
Let your child take the lead for your 4th of July barbecue or an upcoming family gathering this summer by designing the menu themselves. Whether or not your child can independently prepare all the foods on the menu, they can still make the choices of what will be served. Through this task, they’ll practice decision-making and organization skills—both very important parts of a leader’s job!
Activity 2: Host a Cooking Competition
Chances are your child has already taken the reigns on cooking a recipe, so this time let them lead a whole cook-off! Invite your child to choose a recipe and set up cooking stations for contestants to make the recipe and compete with one another. For each station, they’ll need to select utensils, materials, and ingredients the contestants will use. Whether the contest is just putting together a burger or a full dish, your little one will be responsible for everything from set-up to judging to gain invaluable (and super fun) leadership experience.
Activity 3: Plan a Bake Sale
This activity is a little more involved, but that means it offers so much more to help your little leader find their confidence. By hosting a bake sale, your child can decide what to sell, how much to charge, and what to do with the money, such as donating it to a specific charity. Encourage them to collaborate with friends or siblings and help decide what their crew can make based on everyone’s interests and favorite treats. On the day of, they can delegate tasks and be in charge of ensuring everything runs smoothly.
A Final Lesson on Leadership
It’s important to remind kids that teamwork is a big part of being a good leader. Let them know that good leaders aim to guide others to do the best they can and lift the members of their team up. That means listening to others, respecting different ideas, and supporting their teammates is all part of leading too!
So there you have it—easy ways to bring extra meaning to this Independence Day as you embrace quality time with kids and give them chances to lead the way!