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Once a week, we have an afternoon where my kids are in charge of making their own lunches. We call it YOYO day– “You’re On Your Own”. My kids, ages 4 to 12, love it. They look forward to it every week, and if we have to miss it for any reason, want to make sure we have it the next day.

The main focuses of our YOYO meals are not precise kitchen training from me. Instead, the two biggest motivations for doing YOYO meals are that my kids would stay motivated to be in the kitchen, and that I would have less on my plate (perhaps to a smaller degree now, but certainly more in the future). If you have kids who are not really interested in cooking, but you want them to get some practice and grow in confidence, giving them a regular opportunity to choose and prepare their own meals can be an easy push. Likewise, if you have a day (or days) you need to have a more hands-off approach to meal time, a YOYO menu could give the kids simple ideas to be able to take on more kitchen responsibility.

Keep reading for 12 recipes that kids can make themselves, tips for implementing YOYO days, and for a free printable YOYO menu that you can print and use in your own home! 

12 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves

(EASIEST) IN THE INSTANT POT

1. Instant Pot Box Mac’n’Cheese(so easy, and a favorite of all my kids. even my preschooler can mostly do this on her own, with some help with the buttons).
2. Loaded Baked Potato (water + potatoes + the Instant Pot, and you have one of the simplest meals kids can make)
3. Butter Garlic Pasta (or Garlic Orzo with Spinach) (this is a bit more involved, but still easy enough for lunch. this is one of my 12yo’s favorite YOYO meals)
4. Instant Pot Ramen Noodles (even though my kids do enjoy the cheap packs of ramen, it is so easy to make a homemade version in the Instant Pot with ready-to-go ingredients)
   ON THE STOVE OR OVEN
5. Toasted Deli Sandwiches
6. Quesadillas (any age can assemble a quesadilla, and younger kids can have help using the stove)
7. Scrambled/Fried Eggs & Toast (eggs are always a simple and filling option)
8. Sheetpan Nachos (for YOYO meals, the kids make individual plates of nachos by putting chips on an oven-safe plate, top them with cheese, and then I put it under the broiler for them. Once the cheese is melted, they can top with whatever additions they prefer)
   NO COOK/HEAT
9. Smoothies (quick and filling and so fun of vitamins!)
10. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches (the quintessential easy kid lunch)
11. Build a Salad (have some salad dressings ready to go, and putting together a personal salad is very easy)
12. Tuna Salad(just stir together a handful of kid-friendly ingredients and serve with crackers!)

YOYO DAY TIPS

I’ve shared on the blog before about making it easier, or at least more manageable to get your kids started in the kitchen.Teaching kids to cook, inviting them in to help, won’t look the same for every home, or even every season in your own home.

But the smallest moments of training, consistently done here and there, can add up to competency to be your sous chefs, and eventually for kids to be their own chefs, preparing their own food. 

The great thing about YOYO days is giving kids ownership and excitement to make their own choices and prepare their own food. They start off with knowing that you believe that they are capable, and gradually, they become more and more capable.

TIP #1: Everyone can participate at their own level.

None of my kids want to be exempt from YOYO days, so my four-year-old makes her own lunch too, just with more supervision and help as needed. Some of her favorites are nachos and quesadillas, which she can assemble easily, then I help her manage the cooking process.

All of the items on the YOYO menu are very easily prepared, some in the Instant Pot, some on the stove/oven, and some without any needed heat. I try to be nearby to offer help as needed and make sure they are being safe, remaining as hands-off as I can be.

TIP #2: Don’t stress their choices.

One thing I (mostly) do not worry about on YOYO days are what the kids are eating. They can have all carbs and cheese for lunch if they want. They can have food that I wouldn’t normally prepare. This is their chance to exercise independence, try new things, and learn from experience.

TIP #3: Keep easy, convenient ingredients on hand. 

Trying to keep ingredients on hand that require minimal preparation before cooking can be less intimidating for kids. Pre-shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, box macaroni, etc. Even if kids are capable of doing more, the clean up after a big preparation would be overwhelming for everyone.

TIP #4: For older kids, YOYO days can be good practice at reading a recipe.

My older kids are kitchen-savvy enough to read and follow many recipes, especially ones they’re already familiar with. This past week, my oldest son made Garlic Orzo with Spinach and Bacon in the Instant Pot. I enjoyed half of what he made for lunch!

Kids who are not new to cooking their own food might even want to experiment with their own variations and recipes. YOYO days can be a great opportunity for that.

TIP #5: Limit the options. Make it consistent.

We have chosen to make every Friday lunch a YOYO day. This works well for our schedule because at the end of the week, I need a break, and we are almost always home on Friday afternoons since we have outings other days of the week.

Your YOYO days might not be weekly, but making them a regular part of your family life will give your kids the experience they need to see improvement in their skills.

And finally, giving specific, limited options will greatly help the YOYO process too. (Limited options/curated menus also help adults in meal planning too!) I created a menu specifically for YOYO days so that my kids would consider more variety than the one or two things they’re most inclined to pick. Besides, it’s helpful if you don’t have ingredients for one dish– there are several other options to pick from.

PRINT THE YOYO MENU

You can print your own copy of the YOYO menu to use in your kitchen. I laminated ours and have it ready to go for YOYO Fridays– and any other occasions where I need to tell my kids they’re on their own for lunch or dinner.

I hope that this post is helpful! I am so passionate about kids in the kitchen, however little or much. It’s good in the long run for everyone, a lighter load for the parents, and kids who will know their way around a kitchen after they leave the nest! 

MORE LIKE THIS :: 

• 5 Simple Tips for Letting Kids Help in the Kitchen
• 50+ Easy Lunch Tray Ideas
• 10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners
• Super Awesome List of Healthy Snack Ideas

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The post 12 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

A few nights ago, I read one of our favorite board books with the kids. Every time I read this book with them, I’m so blessed by their sweetness as they followed the instructions on each page to “swipe away the flour”, to “tap the eggs”, and to “blow kisses” and “wave goodbye” to the cupcakes.

I was inspired to do some baking together (also happens every time), and I wanted to share a recipe with y’all too.

Layer cakes and frosting and such are typically reserved for special occasions, but I do love having some simple treat recipes that aren’t really high in sugar, and that can be made without a lot of steps or waiting time.

This simple honey layer cake is new to the rotation. Other naturally-sweetened treats in our rotation include Blueberry Orange Breakfast Cake (dairy and gluten free), Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, Easy Strawberry Crisp (gluten-free), and Upside Down Peach Cake (cooked in the Instant Pot).

Simple Honey Cake

I adapted this recipe from a recipe in the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook, Naturally Sweetened. Their cake called for cake flour and maple syrup, but I wanted a recipe that could be made with more basic ingredients since we are still in this season of staying home and making do with what we have.

Instead of cake flour, I sifted all-purpose flour a couple of times with a metal strainer. I also substituted honey for maple syrup. The honey flavor shines through, but not in a bad way. All of my family really enjoyed this honey cake!

If you want to check out the book we read together, it’s called Stir, Crack, Whisk, Bake. It is also by America’s Test Kitchen and we adore it. (A is For Artichoke, A Foodie Alphabet is another ATK kids book and we love it too!)

The book is about making cupcakes, and we do that sometimes too, but as I mentioned, cupcakes are just more complicated than I usually want to do on a regular weekday.

I hope that this cake inspires you to get in the kitchen with your kids and share a treat together. This simple honey cake would also be perfect to enjoy with tea during afternoon or morning tea-time with a good book! 

As always, I appreciate every pin and share, and LOVE seeing your pictures on Instagram so be sure to tag me!

Simple Honey Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Category: cake
• Method: baking

Print Recipe

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Description

This simple honey cake is so simple to mix together, quick to bake, and has a lovely honey flavor.

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Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted twice
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup melted coconut oil, cooled
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×13 pan.
2. Sift the flour twice, then stir together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Whisk together the oil, honey, vanilla, eggs, and milk in a large glass measuring cup. When the liquid ingredients are well-blended and smooth, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool.
5. Dust the cake with powdered sugar, serve, and enjoy!

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We have five kids, ages almost ten down to two. Over the years, I’ve logged countless hours in the kitchen, usually with at least one child nearby. It’s not always easy– sometimes it’s far from easy– but recently I’ve made a few observations that reinforce my commitment to letting my kids help in the kitchen.

Currently, we have a three-year-old and a two-year-old who come running (literally running) calling out “I HELP!” every time I so much as stand too long in the kitchen or have a purposeful look on my face. It can be overwhelming to have two eager toddlers want to participate in all the cooking and baking, but having three older children helps to give me some perspective.

Just a handful of years ago, it was my older kids who wanted to be by my side all the time. Now, they’re more than happy to go play and leave the cooking to me. (More on this in a moment). Remembering that the eager excitement to help only lasts for a season can help us to have endurance and also remind us to enjoy their nearness and joy.

Not only are our little helpers learning important skills, they’re also working on a good relationship with food and with ourselves. 

My older kids are not completely out of the kitchen now that they have other things to occupy their time, though. My older boys (ages nine and eight) are responsible for making breakfast on weekdays, and my nine-year-old is taking over making dinner once a week. The years of equipping and training alongside me are changing into their own empowerment as they are taking on more responsibility for preparing food and caring for our family. 

5 Simple Tips for Letting Kids Help in the Kitchen

This is all well and good, but it doesn’t mean that having kids help in the kitchen can’t be overwhelming or time-consuming.

The first thing I want to be clear about is that it does not have to be all or nothing. There is no rule or prize for cooking with your kids for every meal. Figure out what works for your family and your schedule. But also remember that consistency (even just once a week) will help your kids learn expectations and skills more quickly.

It’s also helpful to remember that having kids in the kitchen does get easier in time. They do actually get helpful! Keep at it and you will see the fruit of your labor.

Here are five tips I have learned over the years:

1. Take turns. This tip is especially helpful if you have more than a couple of children. You can assign days for each child to help, or simply practice a rotation. However you do it, you will be able to better train your kids when you can help just one or two at a time.
2. Ask for help for part of the recipe. There’s no rule that if your kids help you cook, they have to help you with the entire recipe. You can ask them to help you chop veggies, stir a dough, cut biscuits, and then send them on their way. Even just a little participation can be better than none.
3. Equip them with useful tools. Kids want to help and be useful! Give them age-appropriate tools and they will be so excited that they can peel and chop too. We love the “dog knives” (sharp enough to cut hard fruits and veggies, but not sharp enough to cut fingers) for toddlers, the kids’ chefs knife (still sharp enough to cut, but with a rounded tip) for preschoolers and younger kids, and then small paring knives for older children who have shown themselves ready to move on to “real” knives.
   I also highly recommend our peeler. All of my kids, even my two-year-old, love peeling carrots with it!
   
4. Make recipes you’re familiar with. Want to make cooking with kids exponentially more difficult? Try to make a new recipe that requires your full attention with your kids in the kitchen. Stick to recipes you’ve made before so you can divide your attention between cooking and coaching.
5. Provide alternative activities. Sometimes kids just want to be near you, and it’s not so important that they help you cook. Babies and toddlers can sit in the kitchen with measuring cups, wooden spoons, and bowls. Our toddlers also really enjoy playing with a handful of flour and a dough scraper. Or, even better, a simple dough made by stirring together a little flour and water. It’s a win-win. They get to be in the kitchen, and you get to make dinner by yourself.
6. Keep your expectations high. Here’s a bonus tip for you, but one that can make a big difference! Make sure your children know from the start what you expect from them– to listen and follow directions, wait and be patient, stay away from the stove, etc. Not following directions means not being able to help. But I don’t only mean expectations of behavior– keep your expectations of what your kids are capable of high!

Just last week my 6yo and 2yo peeled and cut all the carrots, cubed the potatoes, and sliced the kielbasa for our soup. They poured in the stock and added the spices. After the soup was cooking, they even made cornbread. Of course, this was all with my help and guidance. I stood nearby and gave them instructions one step at a time. I cut the carrots for my 2yo so the carrots had a flat bottom so it would be easier for her to cut.

I was so happy and impressed with how much they did! And they were happy and proud too! 

10 Kitchen skills kids can (and should!) learn from an early age:

If you want to start letting your kids help in the kitchen more often, but don’t know where to start, here are some ideas for skills to begin teaching them.

1. Stir a dough.
2. Pour wet and dry ingredients into a bowl.
3. Cut out cookies and biscuits.
4. Peel vegetables.
5. Chop with a knife.
6. Crack eggs.
7. Make scrambled eggs.
8. Use a cheese grater.
9. Flip pancakes.
10. Use a colander to rinse fruits and veg.
11. Learn how to measure accurately and read a recipe.

The last skill is another bonus tip– it builds on all the other skills. My oldest is starting to prepare more meals and do more in the kitchen (and outside in his fire pit). I plan to make him a small booklet of recipes to master and I will be sure to share it here too, of course!

Do your kids help you in the kitchen? Do you have any other tips to share? Please add them to the comments! 

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The post 5 Simple Tips for Letting Kids Help in the Kitchen appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.