Survive the summer with these four kid-approved recipes

I still remember the mixed feeling I’d get as summer approached when I had young kids at home. I loved not having to wake up early, and enjoying a slower pace together. But with less of a set schedule came a different type of stress: the pressure of entertaining and engaging my kids for months while also keeping up with my own work deadlines and daily chores—which seemingly doubled as the kids ran around the house all day. I always tried to remind myself how quickly the years fly by and embrace all of the stages of raising school-aged children.

With this thought in mind, I decided to find the element of “fun” in everyday chores. I tried to make everything from cleaning up their rooms and putting away groceries to helping me in the kitchen into a game and learning experience. My hope was to instill in my kids good habits and life skills, along with a positive attitude.

And the one skill that both of my children happily gravitated to was cooking. When they were young, I taught them how to plan a balanced menu, read recipes and make a grocery list. I showed them basic cooking skills and kitchen safety. As they got older, I let them experiment more on their own in the kitchen. I think they now have a deeper appreciation for sharing a meal with people you love.

Below are some of the first recipes I taught my kids. They’re great beginner recipes that can be elaborated as your kids continue to grow.

Because, 10-plus years later, my kids may not always make their beds, put their clothes away or make their own dinner—but at least I know they know how to.

On the menu

• Crispy Cracker-crusted Chicken Tenders and Homemade Ranch Dressing

• Cheddar Cheese Sauce (For pasta and vegetables)

• Fresh Strawberry Slush

This article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of 225 magazine.