{"id":4897,"date":"2025-03-19T09:46:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T16:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=4897"},"modified":"2025-02-28T09:47:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T17:47:13","slug":"teaching-kids-to-cook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/teaching-kids-to-cook\/","title":{"rendered":"Making a Mess in the Kitchen? Why Cooking with Kids is Worth It"},"content":{"rendered":"

I get it \u2013 you\u2019re already so busy taking care of your family that helping your kids learn to cook seems like extra work you really don\u2019t need. You just need to get dinner on the table<\/a>, and the thought of letting them anywhere near a stove or mixing bowl will slow you down! Sharp knives, flour everywhere, sticky messes to clean up?<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the thing: teaching your kids to cook is one of the best (and most fun) ways to connect as a family, while also giving them skills they need for life. And if you put a little time in now, they will end up genuinely helping you later on!<\/p>\n

So, take a deep breath, grab those aprons, and let\u2019s talk about why cooking with your kids is worth it\u2014and how to sprinkle a little joy (and maybe some basil) into the mix.<\/p>\n

Why teach kids to cook?<\/h2>\n

Give them life skills for the future<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Knowing how to cook is an essential tool to give your kids. Once, my high school best friend was left home for the weekend caring for her siblings while their parents went away. She wanted to cook dinner for her brother and sister but didn\u2019t know how. She called me to ask how to make spaghetti. I\u2019d been raised by a single mother who made sure I knew how to cook, so I started by telling her to chop some garlic and onions. My friend stopped me. \u201cI have a jar of sauce, but how do I cook the noodles?\u201d<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t want your kids to grow up without these life skills! Learning to cook teaches independence and gives them confidence that spills over into other areas of their lives. And soon, you\u2019ll have a kid in the house who can really be helpful when it\u2019s time to get dinner on the table because you\u2019ll have taught them the basics.<\/p>\n

Teach them math, science, and more<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Measuring ingredients, timing recipes, and even figuring out how to double (or halve) a recipe involves math and problem-solving. Watching batter rise in the oven? That\u2019s science in action! And let\u2019s not forget the patience and focus cooking requires \u2013 that\u2019s just as important.<\/p>\n

Transform picky eaters <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some kids are naturally adventurous eaters, but for others, trying new foods<\/a> is really hard. Cooking gives kids a sense of ownership over the meal. If they help make it, they\u2019re more likely to taste it. Even broccoli can be tempting when it\u2019s \u201ctheir broccoli.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grow it, cook it, love it!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another brilliant way to tame pickiness is to have kids grow some of the food they cook. It doesn\u2019t matter if you have a big backyard or a few pots on the patio \u2013 growing your own food adds a whole new dimension to the experience. They\u2019ll definitely want to taste the radishes or beans they grew themselves! Try these easy-to-grow choices:<\/p>\n