Why It’s Cool To Cook With Kids

Moms, we’ve got the scoop on why its cool to cook with kids! Whether you’re a Sunday roast expert, or take a more play-it-by-ear approach to the kitchen, there is no shortage of research showing how children of all ages can benefit from being involved in the kitchen. With busy jobs, the convenience of home delivery options and domestic helpers to take care of mealtimes, many families miss out on the precious opportunities that cooking can provide. The good news is that it’s never too late to find your cooking mojo! Below is short reminder of the top benefits from cooking with your kids:

Adopt Life Skills At An Early Age

Healthy eating habits start at home. A study published by Centrum also showed that children who see parents and family members who are active and eat a healthy diet will be more likely to adopt the same habits. Kids whose parents are willing to invest in home cooking and healthy eating over take away are more likely to raise kids interested in healthy eating. Just as swimming and reading are important skills, knowing how to eat well and understanding food hygiene and safety in the kitchen is equally necessary in raising healthy kids.

Self Esteem Booster

We’ve all experienced learning something new. Kids relish the sense of achievement gained from being involved and creating something that is enjoyed by others. Parents are encouraged to start kids off with the basics, chopping vegies, peeling potatoes, grating cheese, making a salad and mixing a sauce before helping out with more adventurous tasks. Being able to make a homemade smoothie, or pizza / pasta sauce is a great alternative for play dates and provides a nice distraction from TV and other electronics. It also shows that you as the parent trust your child in the kitchen. This is particularly beneficial for tweens and teens craving freedom and responsibility – which they can get in the kitchen.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Mostly importantly, cooking together with your child is a time to catch up. It shouldn’t be a lecture on why it is important to eat broccoli, but rather to debrief on the day and the chance to have fun and try some new recipes. As well as spending time with you, it is reinforcing communication skills and cooperation as your child works with you to prepare a dish or snack.

Age, self-discipline and maturity are important considerations in giving your little one free rein in the kitchen. Key to knowing whether your child is ready to prepare a meal by themselves is making sure they are aware of the important safety aspects of the kitchen such as knowing how to turn the stove off, how to place the pot handle away from the outside, and helping set the table and do the dishes is also part of the deal not to be ignored!

So if you’ve got budding chefs in the kitchen why not try some of Farmers Kitchen easy to make recipes, they are quick and easy to do in 30 minutes.

www.farmerskitchen.com.hk/pages/30-minute-meals