One of my favorite aspects of homeschooling is it can be flexible and really cater to the needs of each of my children separately.

My youngest son, Toby, has some sensory issues. Tastes, smells, feelings, bright lights, and even certain sounds can really upset him. There are specific ways we integrate his needs into our homeschool days, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Sometimes he just needs more input. Sensory children are often labeled as ADD/ADHD just because they need more input.

Remember that movie Short Circuit? Need Input! Need Input! My youngest is just like Johnny 5...he needs more input.

One day while watching him hover over the skillet, I realized cooking would be the perfect solution for more input, and I could incorporate it with school. Measuring, calculating, problem solving...and the added bonus of my youngest being able to use all of his senses! He could feel the flour, hear the sizzle of the butter, smell the seasonings, taste the batter, and see the pancakes rising as they cooked. It definitely sounded like a win/win situation.

It started out as just a Toby thing, but soon morphed into an entire family thing with all the kids arguing over what they were going to make and who was next. This gave me an idea. We did what every twenty-first century family does...we busted out the camera and made a blog. http:// yourkidscancook.blogspot.com/

Not only are they learning how to cook and handle themselves around the knives, but also how to speak to an audience. I’m sure the boys’ wives will thank me for it when they get older, but for now we are just happy incorporating every skill with the fun of cooking.

We’ve also expanded their culinary horizons. Gabe, my middle boy, is a very picky eater. Since starting this adventure, he has tried more foods than ever, mostly because he made them and he must try something he’s made.

Who knew you could start teaching home economics at age four? You can, and it’s fun!

Eisley Jacobs Eisley is a stay-at-home mom to three beautiful children, ages 10, 8 and 6. She and her husband chose to homeschool their children six years ago and have never regretted it since. She blogs about the everyday challenges of being a homeschooling parent and the issues that creep up from time to time. Her world is often upside down with the demands of life, but she always finds the time to write or document the insanity around her. Read More >>