Parents often strive to cook healthy, nutritious meals for their children, but many turn their noses up at them. It can be really frustrating, especially when you have just spent hours in the kitchen! What if we told you that cooking with your child changes the game? They’ll learn a heap of life skills from your daily ritual.
We have compiled a list of the benefits of cooking with your child. Cooking is a life skill within its own right, but it also teaches many other transferable skills. Below are some reasons to get inspired in the kitchen and play chef.
Children will learn the importance of washing their hands, cleaning surfaces and food-safe practices through cooking, which helps mitigate the risk of foodborne illness. Allow them to play chef and get into character by tying up their hair (if it’s long), rolling their sleeves up, and putting on an apron.
Handwashing is a hands-on, routine task in the cooking process. It helps to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination with germs. Encourage them to wash their hands before, during and after cooking. Explain to them why it is important to wash their hands after handling raw meat or when sticky, and why they should avoid licking their fingers whilst handling food. Even if they are tempted! Teaching your child how to wash their hands correctly with soap in the kitchen will make them more conscious of hygiene and apply it elsewhere in their life.
Children are notoriously fussy eaters, especially in their developmental phase (years 2-4). Parents may find themselves stuck at the dinner table for hours on end, trying to get their child to eat. Instilling healthy eating habits can be challenging, but it’s important to persist. They are essential for physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional health.
Research shows that children are more likely to try new dishes if they make them themselves or are involved in the cooking process. Encourage your child to pick a few ingredients from the fridge and build a meal together. This approach fosters independence and confidence around food, supports curiosity by introducing new flavour combinations and recipes, and makes cooking exciting while inspiring eagerness to try new things. Teaching your child how to cook healthy meals also helps them understand nutrition and balanced eating habits.
Working with your child to create a recipe teaches them the value of teamwork and cooperation. Your child will learn about delegation, communication and accountability as you work towards your shared goal of cooking a certain dish. By delegating different tasks to your child, they’ll begin to understand how each step comes together to make something.
After cooking, ask your child to reflect on how you worked together and what they felt were their strengths within the team. You could phrase this simply like, “What was your favourite part about cooking with me?” and “What did you do well?” This encourages them to view themselves as part of a group and to understand how these dynamics can benefit them. Even if that benefit is a yummy treat!
Cooking undoubtedly takes time! You have to choose a recipe, find all the ingredients in the pantry or fridge, and then meticulously follow the directions step by step. This process teaches your child the benefits of persevering, even when the end result seems impossible. They’ll begin to understand how small steps can contribute to an end product or goal. Cooking inadvertently encourages long-term goal-setting, as it requires them to see a project through to completion.
When following a recipe, it’s expected that things may go pear-shaped — maybe they add too much milk to the cake batter, or it falls on the floor. It’s important not to worry. Set an example by staying calm and teaching your child the value of problem-solving under pressure. Your child will learn how to stay resilient and adapt to changing circumstances. Cooking emphasises the value of finishing what one starts, a skill highly transferable to everyday life.
Little Zak’s Kitchen aims to guide your child towards making sound food choices. By making healthy recipes, we encourage children to make smart food choices and understand the difference between ‘always foods’ and ‘sometimes foods.’ Our educational cooking program teaches them important life skills whilst they’re having fun.
Our activities include:
Little Zak’s is committed to providing your child with a well-rounded education. We recognise the importance of early childhood development for future success. Our Educational Programs offer a wide variety of activities supporting hands-on learning.
Contact us today or book a tour at your nearest Little Zak’s location.
