It’s hard enough getting your kids to eat their veggies, let alone try adventurous foods outside of PB&J sandwiches and mac & cheese. If you want to raise kids that enjoy a balanced, diverse diet, it might be time to bring them into the kitchen.
While you shouldn’t leave your 4-year-old alone with the oven, there are plenty of recipes you and your little ones can tackle in the kitchen.
Here are a few reasons why your kids should help in the kitchen.
It’s great for family bonding
If you shoo your kids away when you cook, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to bond with them. Working as a team in the kitchen will bring your family closer and create memories that will last a lifetime. It will also make your kids feel more important in your home by giving them responsibility over a delicious meal.
It makes your kids smarter
There are so many important lessons your kids can learn from cooking that will set them ahead of their peers in school. Following a recipe involves many mathematical concepts like counting, measuring, and fractions. Your children will also learn scientific concepts when cooking, such as the transformation of food states through heating and cooling. Helping in the kitchen will even expand their vocabulary and understanding of food, making them more prepared for school.
It makes them responsible and self-reliant
Self-reliance is an important skill your kids must pick up. One easy way is to teach them how to cook. Cooking will make your kids more responsible and prepared for when they’re adults. Self-reliance and responsibility will also translate into other areas of their lives.
It teaches your kids healthy habits
While you’re cooking, teach your kids about the importance of nutritious meals and a healthy lifestyle. Prepare fresh and wholesome meals as a family and your kids will likely do the same when they grow up. Habits formed when your children are young are more likely to follow them into adulthood.
It raises their self-confidence and self-esteem
Creating a meal from scratch gives your kids a sense of accomplishment that will build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Cooking gives your kids something tangible to take pride and ownership in. Encourage your kids through the entire process and watch their self-esteem rise like a freshly baked loaf of bread!
It’s fun!
At the very least, cooking is a fun activity you can do with your kids. On a rainy day, putting together a nice meal or a warm plate of cookies will bring a smile to your children’s faces.
With simple and easy recipes found on our Pinterest page, letting your kids help in the kitchen will be a fun activity, regardless of the day. So, go ahead and get cookin’!
