Benefits of having kids help in the kitchen

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Benefits of having kids help in the kitchen

What are the benefits of cooking with children? There are multiple benefits when we have our children's help in the kitchen. Today we will talk about several advantages that are very important for the growth and development of the youngest members of the family. 

Children's skills in the kitchen

It is said that it is never too early to get children interested in honing their skills in the kitchen but it is not always as one imagines it to be. Although it may take some extra time and patience, nothing good is ever a waste of time. Parents are often told that it is good to encourage their children to participate in the kitchen. Understandably enough, teaching anyone how to do anything may not be easy to do at first, but engaging your children in the kitchen is a task that is completely worth it in the end.

We all have memories of our first moments in the kitchen. Our childhood is full of memories of the first dishes our relatives made for us. In the end, cooking is something that is always present from the first steps of our lives.

Although it is not only fundamental for that reason, it goes far beyond the beautiful memories. This is because there are several benefits of having children in the kitchen for both parents and children. Not only is cooking one of the best ways to engage your children in bonding exercises with you as a parent, but it is also packed with intellectual and academic benefits.

The benefits of cooking with kids

  • It helps create an avenue for bonding and spending time together between the parents and the children.
  • Learning to cook is one of the most important tasks for their development, learning and independence towards their adult life.
  • Encouraging participation in the kitchen raises your child’s self-esteem levels as it gives them a sense of accomplishment, as the planned meal will be seen as just a task to fulfil.
  • As mentioned earlier, cooking is an important life skill for a growing child, and when a child is encouraged to eat their own food, it sets an example for a healthier life choice in their overall diet.
  • Promoting children to participate in the kitchen increases their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as experimenting with different textures and flavors. A real discovery for them!
  • Engaging your children in cooking meals in the kitchen will encourage them to eat more home cooking that is proven to make individuals healthier and happier.
  • If you use cookbooks and internet recipes to cook, involving your child in the kitchen may increase the comprehensive skills, vocabulary and reading skills. It teaches the children important math skills like measurements and quantity control.
  • Involving your children in the kitchen is a more practical way to teach them about the nutritional benefits of foods. Working with them in the kitchen creates an avenue to talk about food choices that are good for the body.

According to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children who engage in tactile experiences such as learning how to cook are less likely to develop a fear of food and will be more open to trying new meals. So, children who cook are most likely to be children who taste and often eat. 

There are different tools to get started and make it much more comfortable and safe for the little ones. For example the Mini Chef Learning platform. It's perfect for learning and exploring in the kitchen together!

With these many benefits of engaging children in the kitchen, why hesitate to start today? Cooking is a task that the whole family should enjoy together!

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