When my son was little, he loved making granola bars. I have vivid memories of adding ingredients to the bowl, and allowing him to stir. The ingredients would fly EVERYWHERE, on the table, on the chairs and the floor. Even though it would always be super messy, I wanted to make sure that I cooked with them.
So why do I feel the need to cook with my kids? I actually wanted to have this experience with them. Even though it can be frustrating, there are lots of good reasons to keep going.
We show them that everything isn’t perfect all the time
Some people are extremely talented in the kitchen and can make those perfect strawberry ladybugs or melted snowman cookies with a gaggle of children surrounding them in the kitchen. And, to those people, I say YOU ARE AWESOME and please make me a batch the next time.
I must confess that I am NOT one of these talented people. Sometimes things go well and the finished product looks awesome. Sometimes they don’t. Like when we made gingerbread cookies for Santa from a couple of years ago.
They didn’t look great, but they were super tasty. And it started a tradition we’ve continued to love every December. When I cook with my kids, it’s never going to be perfect. My house isn’t perfect. Life isn’t perfect. And that’s okay.
We teach THEM TO TRY SOMETHING NEW
If you want your child to try something new, get them involved in the making of it. They will automatically be more invested and willing to try it. Will they love it every single time? Nope! But they may surprise you with what they like.
For example, I tried kale chips a couple of years ago and my kids actually like them and ask for them all the time. But, I can’t tell you how many other healthy worthy recipes I’ve tried that they will not touch.
Like banana oatmeal breakfast bars.
Or the frozen yogurt covered fruit.
Or the homemade fruit leather.
It takes time, patience and endurance on our part as parents to introduce new foods more than once. But at least if they make it with you, they’re more likely to try it.
We encourage good life skills
I remember how amazing it felt when I made my first batch of scrambled eggs as a kid. I was all ”I can actually make something by myself from start to finish. I did it!” There’s nothing like being able to do something independently to boost your confidence.
How did you learn to cook? I bet you learned by doing it, by watching and participating more and more in the process as you got older.
As a parent, you can start this process when they’re small, showing them how to measure and add ingredients, how to stir, how to use the mixer, how to use a knife and eventually how to appropriately use a stove. These are essential life skills they need for when they leave your home.
We connect
For me, the most important reason to cook with your children is that it’s a way to connect. Life can get so busy with playdates and projects and homework and lessons and activities. Take some time to reconnect with your child by cooking with them.
BONUS - They Practice Social Skills
There’s also a bonus benefit to cooking with your child. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice social skills - skills like taking turns, patience, cooperation and problem solving, just to name a few. Cooking with your kids can be a great teachable moment.
