Why Do You Get Your Kids Involved in the Kitchen

Thinking of fun and educational activities for children has always been a challenge for parents. But with the lockdown making us cross out all outdoor activities from our list, it has become increasingly difficult to come up with activity ideas. However, as it is with many things about parenting, the best response is always to become more creative and resourceful. 

Getting kids involved in the kitchen is not just a good way to keep them entertained. It’s also an enjoyable way to teach them a new, essential life skill: cooking! Find out more about why getting your kids working in the kitchen is a good idea in this article.

It relieves children’s lockdown anxiety

Children have been forced to stay home for several months because of nationwide lockdowns. Because they are unable to run and play outdoors, see new places, and meet their friends, it’s understandable that many kids have become anxious during lockdown. 

Keeping children busy is one key step in relieving their anxiety. But while schoolwork can keep children preoccupied for most days, it is not necessarily a solution to their anxiousness. That’s why games and other activities should be incorporated into kids’ schedules. Getting involved in kitchen activities can ease a child's anxiety because it is a relatively new environment, and they will be working with a parent or other responsible adult. The presence of a guiding figure is crucial to making them feel at ease while discovering how to prepare a dish. 

It teaches them responsibility

From the start, it is important to teach kids that cooking, or at least helping you cook, is not just for fun. Instead, tell them that cooking is a significant task that is part of a person’s everyday routine. Of course, there’s no need to tell kids this upfront. You can inspire your kids to be responsible by involving them not only in meal preparation but also in choosing meals and ingredients. Set a schedule for this activity so that children know it’s part of a routine. For example, you can choose what meal to cook on Saturday before you pick up groceries, and then you can cook a meal with the kids on Sunday. 

It hones children’s math and reading skills

When in the kitchen, you can let children exercise their reading skills by letting them read the list of ingredients or the recipe for the meal you are about to cook. Additionally, you can let them use your weighing scale and measuring cups so that they can apply their math lessons. For instance, you can tell them that you will make a smaller batch compared to the one in the recipe. So, you will need to divide the ingredient quantities in two. That way, they'll become math and reading geniuses while learning to whip up yummy meals.

It sets an example of healthy eating

Let’s face it. Getting children to love vegetables and eat less candy is not an easy feat. But if you and your child can find healthy recipes that are delicious and easy enough to make, they might be more interested in tasting healthy food. You can start by preparing snacks that you children already like and then later giving the snack a healthier twist. While you prepare the healthier version of the snack, you and your child can talk about why it’s important to eat healthy. 

It boosts self-esteem

Most parents already know that giving a child responsibilities in the house makes them feel more confident and capable. That’s why children should have a hand in keeping the house clean. But you can expand your kids’ list of responsibilities by asking them to join you in the kitchen. You can begin by giving them smaller tasks such as putting the toppings on their own pizza. Accomplishing the task will give them a sense of accomplishment. It’s also crucial to thank them and tell them how much their contribution helped in your meal preparation. This will make them feel that their job in the kitchen is important and valued. So, next time you ask them to go to the kitchen with you, they’ll be more than happy to go.

It gives you an opportunity to bond as a family

Getting all your kids working in one place seems like another challenge. But if you delegate tasks properly and explain what each child needs to do, they will be able to work well together. They’ll even help each other with their assignments. Most of all, getting your kids involved in the kitchen will allow you to spend quality time together while also accomplishing the ever-important task of preparing a delicious and healthy meal. Plus, the meal you prepared together will probably taste even better because of the love and effort poured into the meal prep!

Key points

Children will feel less anxious, more confident, and more responsible if you let them work with you in the kitchen. Plus, they’ll develop their reading and mathematical skills and their interest in healthy food. Most importantly, you and your kids will spend more quality time with each other.