By Allie Lang, RDN, LDN
One of the most important things you can do for your family’s health is cook more at home and ditch the takeout and processed, prepared foods. Cooking as a family is a great way to establish lifelong healthy eating habits for the entire family. Involving kids in cooking can positively influence their food preferences and behaviors. A child who is confident in the kitchen will prepare much healthier options than a child dependent on packaged, microwavable foods. It can be less efficient and downright messy to cook with children, but the benefits are well worth it! Here are some ways to involve even the youngest children in the cooking process:
Kids can:
- Pick out recipes from cookbooks or online
- Help with shopping
- Wash fruits and vegetables
- Measure out ingredients
- Stir sauces, batter, soups
- Mash vegetables
- Tear lettuce for a salad
- Set the table
- Crack eggs
- Juice lemons or limes
- Do dishes or load dishwasher
- Wipe down countertops
Tips:
- Don’t worry if your child is picky and dislikes the recipe you’re making. It’s still fun to cook and it will encourage them to try what they have made.
- Pick a night when you have extra time to cook with your child. Weekend nights work great!
- Make it as enjoyable as possible by putting on some fun music.
Try some of these ways to get your child involved in making family meals. Give your child the skills they need to follow a healthy diet into adulthood.
