We usually think of the kitchen as a place where adults prepare meals and children just grab snacks, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it might be better if it’s not that way: studies have shown that there are a host of benefits to getting the whole family involved in the cooking process, including improved family bonds, greater child responsibility, and healthier meals. If you think it might be time for your child to roll up their sleeves and help you in the kitchen, read on: we have a bunch of reasons that will (hopefully) convince them it’s the right thing to do.
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Family Values
You’ll already spend a lot of time with your children, but most of that time is taken up by the necessary details, like running them to and from school or giving them space to play. Cooking together is a simple way to improve the family bond, and it’s one that benefits everybody: you will all, after all, eat the cooked food. You’ll also be working together as a team, which isn’t something you have too many opportunities to do on a nightly basis.
Social Time
It’s not just the chefs who benefit from a family cooking experience. One of the best tips for making your kitchen the heart of your home is to make it a social space, where children and parents alike can spend their time. You might be cooking with your son while your daughter is sitting at the kitchen island, doing their homework, and while the other parent is unwinding on the nearby couch after a long day of work. There’s a tendency for one person to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is off doing their own thing; by including others in the process, you’ll be making it the evening social hub.
A New Education
Your children learn a lot in school, but there are some things that the education system fails to provide, and unfortunately, they’re the things that people need to know for when they’re adults! Your child won’t be familiar with the cooking terminology, units of measurement, or many of the ingredients you use in the kitchen. There’ll learn it all when they’re by your side, cooking the family meal. This is also an excellent opportunity to teach your children about from where food comes from, as well as animal welfare and the different diets people follow.
Individual Responsibility
By getting your children involved in the cooking process from an early age, you’ll be giving them a skill that most people don’t acquire until they’re much older. You’ll also subtly be teaching them how to take care of themselves, and not to rely on other people to provide for them. This is something many adults struggle with you, but not your child.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits to getting your children involved in the cooking process at an early age. There are no drawbacks. You’ll be creating a time to socialize with your child and teaching them valuable lessons at the same time. Win-win!
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