ScreenStrong Families Life Skills, Not Screen Skills with Katie Kimball of Kids Cook Real Food (#248)
Oct 31, 2025
Katie Kimball, founder of Kids Cook Real Food and two-time TEDx speaker, shares her passion for teaching kids essential life skills beyond screens. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, confidence building through chores, and the need for controlled risk-taking for growth. Katie discusses finding time to teach practical skills in busy family schedules and presents an age-appropriate roadmap for fostering independence. With her insights, she encourages parents to trust their kids’ abilities and invest in their future.
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Decade Teaching Informed Her Program
- Katie taught online kids to cook for ten years and supported families with time-saving kitchen tips.
- Her experience shaped the Life Skills Now program covering 350+ skills.
Two Categories Of Life Skills
- Life skills split into hands-on (cooking, repairs) and minds-on (money, emotional regulation).
- Screens block experiential practice so both categories must be taught off-screen.
Use Short Videos As Launchpads
- Use short, intentional videos to introduce a skill, then send kids off to practice it offline.
- Co-watch when possible and keep screen time minimal and focused.