One of the absolute best decisions we made was…. About a year ago we designated one night a week the kids were responsible for planning and cooking dinner.
For me, getting a meal off my plate was a gift for my sanity. This decision was also beneficial in the growth of my girls . They learned to own the responsibility of dinner one night a week, for us it’s always on Tuesday nights. This experience is also helping them gain confidence in the kitchen.
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the girls get excited when it’s their turn to make dinner. Typically their night to cook turns into playing restaurant which includes writing up menus … setting the table with plates, all the silverware, napkins and they have to seat and serve us our dinner plated. The smiles on their faces say it all … they love getting the opportunity to be in charge and cook dinner themselves. Well I will say mostly by themselves… they are still fairly young so I supervise to make sure everyone is safe.
Not only did making this decision give me a much needed break from thinking about & cooking dinner … there are so many Benefits my children are gaining through this experience…
Here are 7 reasons why including your kids in cooking meals is beneficial:
- Life Skills: Cooking teaches kids essential life skills such as planning, measuring, and following instructions. These skills are transferable to other areas of their lives, like academics and problem-solving.
- Healthier Eating Habits: When kids are involved in cooking, they’re more likely to understand the importance of nutrition and develop healthier eating habits. They also learn about different ingredients and how they contribute to a balanced diet.
- Responsibility and Independence: Taking on the responsibility of cooking a meal helps kids build confidence and independence. It’s a great way for them to learn to manage time and handle tasks on their own.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving: Cooking allows kids to be creative with flavors and presentations. They also learn to solve problems, like how to fix a dish if something goes wrong or how to make adjustments based on available ingredients.
- Family Bonding: Cooking together can be a fun, bonding activity for families. It also encourages teamwork and communication.
- Math and Science Skills: Cooking involves a lot of math (measuring ingredients, adjusting recipes) and science (understanding how heat affects food). It’s a practical way to apply these concepts in a real-world setting.
- Boosts Self-Esteem: Successfully preparing a meal can give kids a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem. They get to see the results of their hard work and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
🍃Cooking is not just about making food; it’s an opportunity for kids to develop a wide range of skills that will benefit them throughout their lives!
I highly recommend devoting one night a week that involves the kids in the dinner preparations … you can do it as a family.. or let the kids take the lead and enjoy good home cooked meals together and memories you all will treasure!
⬇️I can’t wait to hear your experiences and what meals your kiddos were involved in making and how they enjoyed this experience!