Kids And Cooking!

I let my grandkids help me cook, and it is extra trouble, but kids are more likely to eat something they helped cook! When my oldest granddaughter was ten, I had to have her show my new daughter-in-law, who didn't cook, how to make a hamburger patty! Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper than eating out all the time, or buying convenience foods at the grocery, which is what people who can't cook end up doing. Cooking is a great skill to teach a child so they have a healthier future!

My 7 yr old daughter gets to pick one item a week from a cook book and help me make it. It can be a side dish, main course, or sweet thing. She loves it and I think we both learn a lot when we cook together.

I am not a mommy yet but I've had years of experience cooking with kids. I used to teach special children and as an Occupational therapist, wwe make use of purposeful activities to address areas of difficulties of children with delays. Messy, yeah it is! (just imagine children with hyperactivity in the kitchen,Lol). Cooking is a good activity for kids. It helps improve fine motor skills, ability to follow instruction, even speech. It also helps them build a positive self-esteem. When done in a group setting, then you are also enhancing good interpersonal skills! Cooking doesnt always have to be complicated. We usually make salads, prepare sandwich and do the simplest dish there is. When I become a Mom, I will surely let my kids mess up my kitchen and let them cook. I dont mind cleaning up, its part of the fun =)

My son is 6 and he likes to cook or help out in the kitchen when he can. He likes helping me make just about anything. But there are times, I won't let him help because of his little sister feeling left out and come in and pester us or get up under our feet and end up getting hurt.