Cooking with Kids - Warning - not when you are premenstrual!

This is my baby, Lukas. He was born to love food. From the moment he arrived into this world, food was his only focus. When he was a baby, he would shake with excitement at the sight of food. As a toddler, he would try every food given to him. As a kid, he loves eating, being in the kitchen, sitting at the table with the family for any meal and experiencing dining out. This photo was taken of Lukas eating his birthday meringue cake.

Cooking with kids can be testing, frustrating and messy BUT it also can be so much fun, educational for them, a great sense of achievement and a bonding session.

Just know that if you are pre-menstrual and limited on patience, leave it for now and suggest it in a few weeks when you are feeling back to normal.

When you are cooking with kids, its great for them to have their own utensils. Go to the $2 shop and get them a kit, as well as an apron.

Give them free for all to anything in the fridge and pantry. Let them create what they want. A few months ago, Lukas cooked a spaghetti and raw egg pie. He just loved cracking the eggs, cooking the spaghetti and stirring. Don't stress out if there is mess.....its all part of the fun! And part of the learning, every cook has to clean up after their mess.

Ask your kids to help you with preparing dinner (remember, not when pre-menstrual or trying to get dinner on the table in 2 minutes). They love to be involved and will be proud to show off the dish they helped create.

Food is what brings families together. Creating, cooking and eating is a great way to spend time with your family. Get them involved and enjoy it!

PS You may need a glass of wine to relax through this proposed idea.