Introduction to Cooking with Kids

Cooking with kids is an excellent way to teach them healthy eating habits and essential life skills. By involving children in the cooking process, parents can help them develop a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and self-sufficiency. According to Jessica Battilana, staff editor at King Arthur Baking Company, "It helps to think of it as less of a chore and more of an opportunity to be together as a family."

Benefits of Cooking with Kids

The benefits of cooking with kids are numerous. It promotes healthy eating, boosts confidence, and strengthens family bonds. Cooking builds life skills, such as math concepts, language skills, and self-control. Kids learn by reading and following a step-by-step recipe, which takes concentration and other executive functioning skills. Exposure and sensory experience with food help kids become well-rounded eaters.

A Sense of Accomplishment

If the COVID pandemic taught us anything, it was the importance of knowing how to cook. During the lockdown, many parents began teaching their children how to do simple tasks in the kitchen. For example, Becca Cooper Leebove, a mom of two, started teaching her children how to dump ingredients into a stand mixer, roll out dough, or ice a cake. Five years later, their skills continue to grow. "They also love to brag when it’s done and we all eat their masterpiece together," Leebove said.

Confidence and Real-World Skills

Cooking with kids can help build their confidence and teach them real-world skills, such as math concepts, language skills, and self-control. Cristi Donoso, a speech therapist and mother of a 5-year-old, encourages her clients to cook with their kids in age-appropriate ways. "There’s a lot of real-world learning involved," Donoso said. Kids learn by reading and following a step-by-step recipe, which takes concentration and other executive functioning skills.

An Adventurous Palate

Cooking with kids can also help them develop an adventurous palate. Eric Brown, co-owner of Third Space Kitchen, offers cooking classes for kids, where they can experiment with new ingredients and recipes. "One thing I see a lot is that they’re willing to experiment," Brown said. Knowing what’s in the food helps kids get over any squeamishness or common aversion to veggies.

Paving the Way for Healthy Eating

Childhood obesity rates have been rising for decades, and studies have shown a positive correlation between healthy eating and home cooking. Jennifer Schittino, a Maryland-based working mom of two young children, wants to help her kids shape healthier habits for the future. "It’s both healthier and cheaper to cook from scratch," she said. She also wants her children to "understand the fundamentals so they can make healthy and nutritious meals on a limited budget."

Parents Might Learn About Cooking Too

Even if you’re not a skilled home cook, don’t be intimidated by teaching kids to cook. Start simple, and make a list of 10 things that kids can learn to master, such as scrambled eggs, a quesadilla with guacamole, or pasta with steamed veggies. "Practice making those 10 things often so you get good at them, can shop for them easily, and make them without a recipe," said Battilana.

Conclusion

Cooking with kids is an excellent way to teach them healthy eating habits and essential life skills. By involving children in the cooking process, parents can help them develop a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and self-sufficiency. With patience, practice, and the right guidance, kids can become capable and adventurous cooks, and parents can reap the benefits of cooking with their kids.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of cooking with kids?
A: The benefits of cooking with kids include promoting healthy eating, building confidence, and strengthening family bonds. Cooking also builds life skills, such as math concepts, language skills, and self-control.
Q: How can I get started with cooking with my kids?
A: Start simple, and make a list of 10 things that kids can learn to master, such as scrambled eggs, a quesadilla with guacamole, or pasta with steamed veggies. Practice making those 10 things often, and shop for ingredients easily.
Q: What if I’m not a skilled home cook?
A: Don’t be intimidated by teaching kids to cook. Start simple, and practice often. You can also find many resources online, such as recipes and cooking classes, to help you get started.

Danielle McWilliams cooks with her daughters Reese, 7, right, and Remi, 4, at their New Jersey home on Oct. 27, 2021. (Danielle McWilliams via AP)
This undated photo provided by King Arthur Baking Co. shows a pan of gingerbread rolls. (Rick Holbrook/King Arthur Baking Co. via AP)
Danielle McWilliams’ daughters Reese, 7, right, and Remi, 4, cook at their New Jersey home on on Oct. 27, 2021. (Danielle McWilliams via AP)