NATIONAL KIDS TAKE OVER THE KITCHEN DAY

National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day is on September 13. The experience of families working together and creating meals can help build their self-esteem, confidence and help lay the foundation for healthy eating. Children that help in the kitchen may also be more inclined to try new foods, as they were the ones that prepared it.

Kids across the country are called to take over their kitchens! This observance encourages using their favorite recipes to make a meal for their family. (Adult supervision and assistance as required for the younger bakers and chefs in the house!)

Here are some other great reasons you should cook with your children:

1. Encourages an adventurous palate: Children can be picky eaters, bringing them into the kitchen to help cook can get them to open up to new tastes. When a child plays chef they might sample dishes they wouldn’t try if they were just served to them. So encourage kids to taste new ingredients you’re working with and talk about what they like and how healthy foods make a body grow.

2. Help young kids explore with their senses: Children learn by exploring with their senses and the kitchen is an ideal place to do that. Ask them to listen to the whirl of the mixer, pound dough, watch it rise, smell it baking in the oven, and finally taste the warm bread fresh from the oven. If it smells good, looks appealing, and is easy to eat they may just be willing to try it!

3. Boost confidence: Children love to show what they can do and working in the kitchen provides opportunities to gain a sense of accomplishment. If they helped assemble the pizza, let them know that their help was important. Even if the end results are not exactly what you expected, praise their efforts.

4. Build basic math and language skills: You can help children learn basic math skills by doing something as simple as counting eggs or pouring water into a measuring cup. You can ask what comes first, second, and third or count together as you spoon dough onto a cookie sheet. When you read a recipe together, you’re introducing new words to your child’s vocabulary and promoting literacy. Following steps in the recipe can also help with listening skills.

If you are nervous about getting your kids in the kitchen check out this list of tasks for ages 2-12 years old: “Kitchen Tasks for Different Age Groups”

So this weekend get your aprons on and break out your mixing spoons and recipe books, get in the kitchen and get cooking with your kids.