The questions that I am most frequently asked by parents about my kids cooking classes always
revolve around how important it is to involve children in doing simple tasks at home, such as
cooking, and what young children can possibly learn while cooking.
A simple activity like assisting a parent cook is an important skill builder in young children and can
have a long lasting effect on their development. It is very important that we make an effort not to
overlook how inquisitive young children can be, and how much information they actually absorb
while partaking in activities with those they look up to!
For one, cooking teaches children to follow directions. It teaches them about the importance of
accuracy and following instructions by giving those results which they can not only see, but also
touch and taste. While helping you cook, young kids can gather and measure ingredients, pour
liquids, cut with plastic knives, wash vegetables, set the table, and help with menu planning.
This not only builds good nutrition and food knowledge, but it also helps develop their motor
skills. Such activities also help children to practically apply their knowledge of math, science, and
reading while also improving their comprehension and reasoning skills.
Cooking also enhances the imaginations of young children, allowing them to think creatively and
quickly because they are given the opportunity to help create something they feel like they have
craftsmanship over. As a result, this develops their self confidence and patience, which in turn
makes them less susceptible to peer pressure.
For those who have a difficult time communicating with their growing children (as most of us do),
spending time together in the kitchen is a great way to spend quality time and communicate with
each other without putting any kind of pressure to open up. With time, this can often encourage
them to open up about their daily and personal lives.
Trying to figure out how to get kids started in the kitchen can be a bit of a challenge, but go for
it and don’t give up! But just be prepared that it won’t be neat and there will certainly be extra
cleanup time involved. But as they say, patience is a virtue, and the benefits your kids will gain
from spending time in the kitchen will definitely triumph over the mess they’ll make.
Recipes for young children should be simple – three to five ingredients is plenty. The difficulty
level of cooking activities can be adjusted as children mature in age and development. Also, to
help children gain the most from their experiences in the kitchen, encourage them to do as much
as they can on their own and appreciate and encourage them, whilst simultaneously teaching
them about nutrition and proper sanitation.
It is also important to remember that the kitchen can be a dangerous place for children if proper
safety precautions are not taken. Do not allow them to stand up on chairs and make sure
you clean up spills immediately. It is also important to make sure you never leave anything
sharp or hot lying around, and under no circumstances should you leave your young children
unsupervised in the kitchen.
All in all, cooking can be an extremely enjoyable activity for both the parents as well as the child.
It may start off as a slightly frustrating process, but all you need is a dash of patience, a pinch
of originality, and a cup full of enthusiasm to create life long memories for your growing child
that they will not only remember and cherish forever, but that will also have a long term positive
impact on their mental and physical development.