| Cooking is one of the most enjoyable activities that | | | | they can understand better the process of cooking. |
| parents can do with their kids. Every child should | | | | After the kids have completed their tasks; such as |
| experience the fun of creating healthy meals in the | | | | cutting vegetables or peeling potatoes, remember to |
| kitchen and it should not be a place reserved just for | | | | compliment them for doing their jobs well. We adults |
| mom. | | | | love compliments and kids feel the same way too. |
| Healthy cooking with kids is beneficial to both parents | | | | This will definitely boost their confidence. |
| and kids. Children can learn essential living skills such as | | | | Children are more likely to eat what they have |
| how to cook and how to be organized. They can also | | | | prepared or cooked. This is a chance for parents to |
| apply the knowledge that they have learned in school; | | | | introduce new food to their children who are picky |
| for example addition and subtraction in math. Moms | | | | eaters. If they do not like their greens, let them pick a |
| can ask simple questions such as, "If we are serving | | | | salad recipe and prepare it. Give them options to add |
| one muffin per guest and we have five guests, how | | | | things like dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, small |
| many muffins should we bake?" This type of question | | | | goldfish crackers, etc. Make fun, colorful desserts |
| is fun for kids and they get to use math in a real world | | | | together such as berries with yogurt. |
| way. As the kids get older they can learn about ratio, | | | | Your kids will be so proud of the food they've |
| weight, and even science in the kitchen. | | | | prepared so keep that in mind when you eat it, even if |
| When kids are given simple tasks like spreading jam | | | | it looks a little "funny." Parents can also encourage their |
| on bread using a blunt knife, it lets them practice using | | | | children's inner chef to prepare their own lunch box for |
| their eyes and hand and helps improve their motor | | | | school. Steer them in the direction of interesting ways |
| skills and coordination. By completing each task, the | | | | to prepare healthy food when they're young and they |
| kids will gain more confidence and they will become | | | | may learn to love their veggies. In other words, they |
| independent because they know they can do anything | | | | can learn healthy eating habits through learning how to |
| if they put their mind to it. | | | | cook healthy food. |
| Parents who practice healthy cooking with their kids | | | | Parents cooking with their kids can be a weekly |
| are spending quality time with them while doing | | | | activity. By having our kids help us in the kitchen, they |
| something fun. This is a great opportunity for parents | | | | will learn some of the necessary skills to succeed in life |
| to communicate and interact more with their children, | | | | and who knows, they may become the best chefs in |
| thus strengthening the family relationship. Encourage | | | | the world. |
| the kids to ask questions during the cooking activity so | | | | |