Question: Is it weird that my 8yo wants to do meal prep with me?

Dec 131 min read

So every Sunday I do my meal prep for the week (mostly chicken, rice, veggies - nothing fancy) and my son asked if he could help. At first I thought it'd be chaos but honestly? He's been amazing at it. He portions things, labels containers with the date, even cleans as we go. Is this normal or did I accidentally create a little sous chef? Not complaining at all, just wondering if other kids his age do this or if mine is uniquely into it.

10 comments418 views

Comments(10)

FFinn M.RegularDec 13

This is the opposite of weird. This is how you raise a kid who knows how to feed himself. Plus the bonding time is priceless

TTodd N.RegularDec 14

That's not weird at all, that's peak dad stuff. He's bonding with you AND learning basic cooking skills AND getting some structure. The fact that he asked and stuck with it means he genuinely wanted to. Definitely not chaos, sounds like quality time.

FFritz N.RegularDec 14

Nah it's awesome. He's spending quality time with you AND learning a real skill. The fact that he asked means he genuinely wants to be there with you

KKurt D.RegularDec 15

My 9yo started doing this with me a few months ago and it's become our Sunday routine. He actually takes pride in it and eats better too because it's HIS meal prep

GGrant C.RegularDec 16

Honestly this is kind of awesome. Kids that age start wanting to be independent and involved in adult stuff. He's probably vibing on feeling like he's doing something 'real' with you. Keep letting him help - even if it takes longer.

CCarl L.RegularDec 16

That's so cool. He's not just learning to cook, he's learning patience and precision. Honestly better life skills than most kids his age have

SSam Y.RegularDec 16

This is so cool because you're teaching him that regular routines are things to approach thoughtfully. Doesn't have to be fancy - the fact that you both show up and do it together is the real win here.

AAndy T.RegularDec 16

My 8yo started doing this too and now he actually tries different veggies at dinner because he helped prep them. It's like he feels ownership over the food. Plus he gets to feel like he's helping with the 'boring adult stuff' which they somehow love at that age.

PPaul W.RegularDec 15

Nothing weird, this is the kind of stuff kids remember. My dad let me help with projects even when I slowed things down and I still think about it. The meal prep thing is going to stick with him way longer than any toy.

RRussell D.RegularDec 16

This is legit the cutest thing. Does he make himself his own portions or does he help with all of it?