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Why All Parents Should Teach Their Kids to Cook

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Cooking can get messy quite quickly even when no children are involved—trust me.

But a recent article in TIME magazine highlights why it’s important for parents and caregivers to bring their kids into the kitchen and teach them how to cook.

On the practical side, the article suggests waiting until the holidays to teach your young one how to cook. That way you’ll have more time at home, and your child won’t be able to play outside because of the grim weather.

Cooking with kids

Cooking and baking can be great indoor hobbies to prevent your child from spending all their time from playing on their phone. Plus, your kids will learn important skills, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical reasoning. Children will eventually go off to college or move out, so it’s important that they know how to cook at least a few dishes before they take off.

Young home cooks also have a chance to exercise their math skills by following a recipe. Maybe their new pastry must include 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda, or a cup and a half of flour—let them figure it out (with a little guidance).

Creating new dishes can also help children learn about science. How does heat impact our foods? What happens when food gets old? Your household chef will have the opportunity to see these scientific principles in action.

Photo Credit: YouTube

And failing in the kitchen (as all chefs do, every once in a while) will help children learn how to be resilient and perseverant. Best of all, when their food turns out great, they’ll have the satisfaction of having accomplished something delicious!

Like we said, there are plenty of good reasons to teach your kids to cook—s0 get them going!

Will you be cooking with your child? Share why or why not in the comments.