There are many ways to boost your child’s intelligence, and some are more fun than others. A great place to start is by learning how cooking with your kids benefits them. By getting messy in the kitchen together, your child realizes the importance of focusing and following directions—all while creating a delicious meal! Moreover, the promise of a tasty treat they made themselves encourages their young minds to stay on task.
Cognitive Skills
Cooking is one of many ways to encourage cognitive development in your child by helping them utilize their fine motor skills and focus. Moreover, cooking specifically works our thinking skills, as we must review material and know when to add each ingredient.
Cognitive skills are essential to a child’s development, as they encompass memory, reasoning, focus, perception, and more! By helping your child use all their senses, they’ll feel more engaged with the task in front of them.
Teaching Tool
Cooking is the perfect teaching tool for your little one because it requires math, science, language skills, and creativity. For example, work on your child’s math skills by cutting a recipe in half; this is especially useful for children who are learning about fractions.
Additionally, cooking encourages your child to improve their vocabulary. Read the recipe aloud with your child or—if they’re able—ask them to read it to you. By reading the recipe together, your child pays attention to detailed directions and gets practice with language skills.
Life Skills
Children who cook with their parents also get ahead in developing various life skills such as:
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Independence
By learning how to prepare their meal, your child will feel more confident, even if they’re making something as simple as making pancake batter. They’ll take pride in knowing they can care for themselves and help you. Understanding these skills at a young age is vital to growing into a self-assured, happy adult!
Family Time
The final way that cooking with your kids benefits them is through bonding. Cooking is a creative teaching experience that also allows you to share family traditions with your child or explore new cultures through ethnic cuisine! Pick out a night in the week and select a meal plan with your kids to keep them engaged.
Bonding as a family unit is important because it creates lifelong memories and lasting bonds; moreover, it reminds your child that they can rely on you for support when times get rough. By cooking together, your child grows into an independent adult who’s seen the advantages of working as a team firsthand!