Kids In The Kitchen
Kids are fascinated by food and love to help with cooking. Not only is it fun, but letting your little ones cook can offer some real benefits.
What are the benefits?
- It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your kids, and a great activity if you have a group.
- It’s a good opportunity for children to learn to count, read, follow directions and use appliances – skills that they will use the rest of their lives.
- Encouraging your children to connect with food helps them to learn where food comes from, how it works and why it’s good for them.
- Kids are more likely to eat food that they have helped prepare.
- Food variety – introducing a wide range of flavours and tastes may mean that the kids will be less fussy and will eat more varied foods.
Hints
- Let your kids choose what they want to make – if it’s not exactly what you would select, don’t worry, it’s great to try something different.
- Try to be patient - it might take them a little longer and they probably will make a bit of a mess, but focus on having fun and creating a relaxed positive environment.
- Supervision and safety - it’s important to supervise and provide instruction when knives, other utensils and equipment are required. Also, keep food safety in mind at all times, this helps to make it an enjoyable activity for all.