Back to School: Creating a Family Dinner Routine
Cheryl Knecht • July 31, 2025

Family Dinner will give kids something to look forward to after a long day. You'll enjoy the quality time, too!

Kids love connecting with you in the kitchen!

Parents can start planning now for meaningful family meals by including kids in everything from picking recipes to preparing the food. While it might feel like extra work at first, involving kids in cooking can actually ease common mealtime challenges—like picky eating—and help build skills and confidence. Even toddlers can pitch in with simple tasks, and by elementary school, kids can chop, measure, and mix with a little support. When kids help cook, they’re more likely to try new foods, and mealtimes become a chance to connect, explore, and unwind together. Cooking as a family brings joy, routine, and something everyone can look forward to at the end of a busy day.

Tips on how to include kids in mealtime.

Choose a recipe together


Kids love being included in meal planning. Choose a cookbook off of the shelf, go to the library to find a new cookbook or browse recipes online. It's a fun way to explore food together.

Let's go shopping!


Engage kids at the grocery store!  Ask them which color pepper they'd like to try or to choose a different shaped pasta for the macaroni & cheese. The grocery store is more than an errand - it's an adventure.

Let's get cooking!


Break recipes down into tasks that kids can do. Washing produce, measuring ingredients, chopping and mixing are all great tasks for small hands. Older kids can do more cooking with your support.

Set the table


Invite kids to make the dining area a fun place to eat. They can make decorations, try some cool napkin folds, choose the music or the seating arrangements. They'll be much more likely to want to spend more time at the table if they feel proud of their contribution.

Finally... relax together


Make mealtime a sacred space by putting away phones and including everyone in the conversation. This time can be just for you and the kids to share what you learned while away from each other. Ask open-ended questions and model active listening for your kids while you enjoy your meal.

Talk about the meal!


Ask questions like:

Why did you choose this recipe?

What do you like about this recipe?

What would you do differently next time we make it?

Do you like the texture, color, flavor?

Encouraging critical thinking will keep your child interested in the meal.

Enjoy this recipe for Chana Masala & Homemade Naan!

It's a Schoolhouse favorite and we hope you and your family love making it... and eating it together.


DOWNLOAD RECIPE HERE


We've added tips for including kids in the kitchen in each step. HAPPY COOKING!

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