Celebrating #SG50: 50 Reasons To Get Your Kids Cooking
Contributed by Liza Rowan August 1, 2015
Cooking, and appreciation of good food, is something we acquire; as put by the infamous Julia Child “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing”.
Getting our kids into the kitchen is truly a gift we can give them, and ourselves. I hope that the benefits listed here will motivate you to start having fun in the kitchen with your little treasures, and bigger gems – it’s never too late to start!
1. It gets our kids away from electronics, at least for a while
2. They learn about various fruits and vegetables – colours, types, textures, origins
3. It’s a wonderful way of bonding and communicating
4. Kids learn about measuring methods and tools
5. They learn to cut and chop skillfully and carefully
6. Kids get to touch and feel different textures of foods
7. They become familiar with many different smells
8. We learn about herbs and spices – their flavours, colours and medicinal benefits
9. Kids appreciate the balance of tastes – sweet, bitter, sour, salty
10. They learn about ingredients and recipes from different cultures
11. We can get creative and experiment together
12. Kids are more likely to be enthusiastic about trying new foods – textures, tastes and flavours
13. Cooking with kids is a great way to subtly help picky eaters
14. Cooking together encourages eating together at the table
15. Kids learn appreciation for the cost of food and meals
16. They also appreciate the time and effort involved in meal preparation and other household chores
17. Kids learn to read and follow instructions
18. Math skills are improved as we weigh and measure
19. We learn to work together with our kids, and to negotiate through challenges
20. The art of patience is tested, and hopefully learned
21. Cooking has lessons of chemistry – e.g. the states and changes of matter; liquids-gas-solids
22. Lessons about our environment – the need to look after our land and reduce global food waste
23. We learn about how foods are processed from their natural state
24. Organization and planning skills are acquired
25. Coordination is also key, so that all parts of a meal come together at the right time
26. Kids learn how to set the table
27. Table manners become more important with a better focus on enjoying meals
28. Skills for life are acquired
29. Kids learn about foods that come from various animals and plants
30. We can teach about the different types of diet and ways of eating - vegan, vegetarian, low-carb
31. We appreciate cultural differences in food choices
32. Kids learn about safety in the kitchen
33. As a parent, you might get to put your feet up for a little while
34. Kids learn to problem solve by making substitutions and compromising
35. They learn that cleaning up doesn’t just happen!
36. We can teach about the macro and micro-nutrients and why we need healthy food
37. With younger kids, cooking helps their fine motor skills
38. Kids learn how to take on and accept responsibility
39. We can explore and pass on family recipes and traditions
40. Kids appreciate the need to contribute to daily family chores
41. They are more likely to shop, put groceries away, clear up after a meal
42. Kids will eat less junk food as they wait for family dinner
43. Cooking builds self-confidence and esteem
44. They learn about various devices and appliances, and how to use them safely
45. We can learn how to read and comprehend nutrition labels
46. We appreciate and understand food allergies and intolerances
47. We can teach about food portions and healthy components of a nutritious meal
48. Kids learn that leftovers can be enjoyed in so many different ways – the versatility of food!
49. Kids might be encouraged to grow herbs and some produce; the power of nurturing
50. Most importantly it’s fun!
They say cooking is love made visible and edible; show your kids by spending moments with them creating nurturing dishes that you can enjoy as a family. After all, they say “a family that eats together stays together.”
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Visit Health and Vitality page to find out more about Liza's work.
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