Everyone can learn something from jumping into the kitchen and cooking up a tasty treat. Similarly, there are all kinds of benefits of cooking with your kids. Not only do you expose them to new activities, but you also encourage bonding while creating a learning environment. It’s time to have the kids help out next time you make dinner!
It Improves Fine Motor Skills
Developing fine motor skills at a young age is important, and there are plenty of fun ways to do this in the kitchen. Nothing beats decorating for the fall and winter holidays. It gives the kids a tasty treat and some time to feel creative, but it also harnesses their fine motor skills. Whether you’re rolling out dough, cutting shapes, or plating the meal, each step takes a delicate touch.
It Creates a Learning Environment
Cooking helps teach kids about math, science and even reading, and it’s more beneficial because it engages their senses as they learn. Experiential learning is more memorable to most individuals, specifically because they feel more engaged.
The two of you can explore science while watching some homemade bread rise or practice math while altering a recipe. Or have your child read the recipe to you as you work for some practice with literature.
It Gives Them Exposure
By utilizing professional kitchen appliances as opposed to toy kitchens, children get exposure to the real world. Every cook has at least one failed dish or uses a wrong ingredient, which is perfectly fine. Y’all, mistakes are part of life. Learning that at a young age boosts a child’s self-esteem and gives them the coping tools they’ll need down the road.
It Encourages Bonding
If y’all need new ways to bond as a family, then cook a family meal. Everyone can handle a different task, ranging from food prep to setting the table. While this gives you a chance to bond, it also gives the kiddos some firsthand experience with teamwork and leadership. Depending on their age, you may want to have your child delegate tasks since it’s never too early to learn this skill.
Eating is a social experience—it’s less about the food and more about togetherness, which is a beautiful benefit of cooking with your kids. Most people value family recipes because of the memories they associate with the dish. When you’re cooking together, you could talk about family traditions or how their day went, making new memories your child will carry with them the rest of their lives.
