If you’ve been following Mom, What Did You Make?, you’ve probably noticed the “How Can Kids Help?” section in many of my recipes. This isn’t just a fun addition, it’s intentional. My goal is to help parents involve their children in cooking with ease.
The benefits of cooking with kids go far beyond making meals; it’s about bonding, learning, and creating joyful memories.
Juggling Parenthood and Kitchen Time
As parents, we juggle keeping a livable home, making nutritious meals, and carving out quality time with our kids. The mom guilt (or parent guilt) is real!
But I’ve learned that we don’t have to choose between getting things done and spending time with our little ones. The kitchen can be a place where both happen at the same time.
How My Kids Became My Little Sous Chefs
My boys love to help when I cook. The moment they see me in the kitchen, they run to grab their little chairs, dragging them next to me to see what I’m making. Their first question is always, “Can I help?”
Most of the time, the answer is yes. What can I say? They’re just very persistent!
Involving kids in meal prep has many benefits, not just for them, but for us as parents too!
Involving kids in meal preparing makes them more open to new foods. Kids are naturally curious. When they help prepare food, they feel invested in the final dish.
Research shows that cooking with kids fosters an environment where they are more likely to try new foods and develop healthier eating habits. A recent study found that children who participate in meal preparation are more open to tasting vegetables and enhance their culinary skills over time (Healthy Helpers Study).
When my kids stir the pancake batter, sprinkle cheese on tacos, or mash avocados for guacamole, they become more excited to taste and enjoy their meal. It’s a simple yet effective way to help picky eaters expand their palates.
Cooking build confidence and independence. Learning basic kitchen skill such as washing produce, measuring ingredients, and cracking eggs, gives kids a sense of accomplishment. As they grow, their confidence in the kitchen increases, helping them prepare simple meals on their own.
These small tasks foster self-reliance, build lifelong appreciation for homemade food, and encourage independence in a fun, hands-on way.
Instead of choosing between cooking and spending time with your kids, why not do both?
Cooking together creates laughter, bonding, and teamwork. When kids help, it turns meal prep into an experience instead of just another task.
Plus, it saves you from having to find ways to keep them entertained while you cook!
Cooking is filled with hidden learning opportunities. Measuring flour and counting scoops introduce basic math skills. Watching ingredients change when mixed or cooked turns meal prep into a hands-on science lesson. Reading recipes strengthens literacy, and for younger kids, identifying sight words can be a fun challenge.
When my boys are helping me cook Dominican-style white rice, they love to count the cups of rice and water, turning a simple recipe into an educational experience. Without even realizing it, kids are practicing essential academic concepts, all while having fun in the kitchen!
Giving kids a role in meal prep makes them feel valued. Their contributions matter, whether it’s stirring soup, setting the table, or pressing cookie dough.
When children feel capable and included, it boosts their self-esteem and teaches responsibility.
Even small tasks like pouring ingredients or cleaning up spills show them they are essential family members.
Let’s be honest, when kids help, things aren’t always neat. And yes, I struggle with this part.
There will be spills, extra dishes, and flour-covered countertops. But on the bright side, I also have extra hands to help clean up!
Ultimately, the memories we create outweigh a perfectly spotless kitchen.
Sometimes, when rushing to get dinner on the table, it’s hard to think of ways to involve little hands.
That’s why I include simple, age-appropriate tasks in my recipes, making it easier for you to welcome your kids into the process.
Whether it’s stirring, pouring, or pressing dough, these minor tasks give them a sense of pride and create opportunities for learning and connection.
Next time you’re in the kitchen, consider letting your kids help. It’s not just about making dinner; it’s about making every moment count. Kids grow up fast, and the last thing we need is to feel we missed out.
Do your kids love to help in the kitchen? What’s their favorite task? Share in the comments!