Why Kids Should Get in the Kitchen: 10 Benefits of Cooking
Cooking: one of life’s greatest teachers. Getting kids in the kitchen and exposed to cooking is a powerful way for them to build fine-motor skills and engage in practical, social emotional learning. And truly, no matter what your age is, cooking can always offer us something. Below are 10 benefits of cooking:
1. Cooking is a life skill.
One thing that will always stay with us no matter our age is that we need to eat to survive. Learning how to feed ourselves is a timeless and practical life skill.
2. Cooking is mathematics, science, and art in the kitchen.
When cooking, you’re practicing mathematics as you measure, work with quantities, and convert. You’re engaging with science first hand when you see your baked goods rising in the oven or when you’re frying an egg. And you’re engaged in the art of cooking when you’re decorating your cupcakes or playing with different flavors.
3. Cooking encourages a deeper understanding, curiosity, and appreciation for food.
Cooking gets us thinking about where our food comes from, what it is that we like about certain foods, and what it takes to make food.
4. Cooking builds community and connection.
Food is magical because it sparks curiosity and conversation, tells stories, and is one of the best things to share!
5. Cooking teaches problem-solving skills.
Need a substitution for an ingredient the recipe calls for? Want to make three batches of the recipe? Oh no, I made the dish too spicy – how do I make it less spicy? Following a recipe can be straightforward, but oftentimes, cooking calls for us to problem-solve and be creative with what we have.
6. Cooking challenges us to get out of our comfort zone.
Whether it be trying a food we’ve never had before or attempting a recipe that we’re not familiar with, there’s always opportunities to try new things and challenge ourselves with cooking.
7. Cooking teaches patience and practice.
Cooking can be quick and easy, and it can also be time-consuming and require lots of involvement, but regardless, cooking takes time and effort. And sometimes, it can take a lot of practice to achieve your desired outcome in cooking!
8. Cooking teaches self care.
Nourishment is one of the best ways to take care of ourselves (and others!). Taking the time to make a meal to nourish your body and soul is a great way to say “I love you” to yourself.
9. Cooking gets us connected to our senses.
Cooking requires us to get in tune with our senses – our vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Using our five senses can help us feel more grounded and present.
10. Cooking is fun!
Of course, because who doesn’t love food? Build your own connection to cooking and see where it takes you!
Can you think of any other benefits of cooking? Comment below!