Spending time in the kitchen with kids can open a world of developmental opportunities for them. “In addition to building good nutrition and food knowledge, they will learn math, science, reading, and patience,” says Jessi Walter, founder and owner of Cupcake Kids in New York. “Really young kids (ages 2-4) will see a big improvement in their motor skills if they get involved in the kitchen.”
Getting children involved in the kitchen also improves their comprehension and reasoning skills, teaches them how to follow directions, enhances their imaginations, makes them more resilient to peer pressure, and gives them practical life skills.
There’s something about good food that sparks a flurry of conversation. So for parents who have a difficult time communicating with older children, spending time together in the kitchen is a perfect way to encourage them to open up about their day.
“There is something for everyone to do in the kitchen,” says Walter. Youngsters can gather and measure ingredients, sort, pour liquids, cut with plastic knives, wash produce, set the table, and help with menu planning.
Trying to figure out how to get kids started in the kitchen can be a bit of a challenge, but Walter suggests parents just “Go for it! It’ll be a blast; but just be prepared that it won't be neat.” There will certainly be extra cleanup time involved. But Walters says, “Don’t be afraid of a mess.” The benefits your kids will gain from spending time in the kitchen will definitely trump the mess they’ll make.
Recipes for young children should be simple – three to five ingredients is plenty. The difficulty level of cooking activities can be adjusted as children mature in age and development. Also, to help children gain the most from their experiences in the kitchen, encourage them to do as much as they can on their own.
How to Keep Kids Safe in the Kitchen
Just like any other room in the home, the kitchen can be dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken. Don't allow children stand in chairs. Lock away all chemicals. Clean up spills immediately. And never leave young kids unsupervised in the kitchen. In addition, Walter advises parents to “Never let children near anything sharp or hot.”
With proper parental guidance, cooking with kids can provide them with a plethora of developmental benefits that can range from increased small motor development to improvements in comprehension skills.
References:
Email interview with Jessi Walter, founder/owner of Cupcake Kids in New York. 2-11-09
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