5 Reasons to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

These 5 reasons to get your kids to help in the kitchen are very important to my family and something that we practice. These 5 reasons really encourage me to always have my kids by my side! Spending time in the kitchen is some of the most beneficial time that we can spend together.

When you’re staying home and you’re eating and cleaning up after at least 3 meals a day, you end up spending a lot of time in the kitchen! If you’re never getting your kids involved during that time, then you’re really missing a big opportunity to pour into your kids.

You definitely don’t have to have your kids by your side at all times (but I do recommend it as much as possible!)however, you can be more intentional about the time you do spend together in the kitchen. So, let’s go ahead and look at 5 reasons to get your kids to help in the kitchen.

Reason #1 to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

Character Building

Having good character is one of the most important things that I want to teach my children. Above all else, if I can get my children into adulthood with good character then I will feel accomplished. The kitchen is an excellent place to teach good character. There’s patience, diligence, leadership, teamwork and so many more things to work on. I know in our family some of the best times we have is when we are washing the dishes. Don’t forget when you’re correcting behavior to also praise good attitude as well!

I often say that their are 2 main places where I want my kids to be. Outside learning and in the kitchen learning. If nothing else gets done that day but those 2 things then we’ve still had a good day!

Reason #2 to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

Life Experience and Skills

Besides Character, life skills is one of the most important things I want for my kids as well. Whether you are a boy or a girl you should know how to fully take care of yourself as an adult. That includes all of the skills you need in the kitchen. So drop the stereotype that only women need to be in the kitchen. Even in a household like mine where most of the kitchen duties fall on me, my husband often steps in to help or take over if I am not feeling well. The combination of good character and life skills is setting up your kids for success. Even learning how to do things like meal planning and grocery shopping are great organizational skills that they can use in other areas of their lives as well.

Reason #3 to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

Academic Skills

Academic skills are important in training our children. I feel like having good character and life skills are more important. If you are only academically skilled but you’re lacking in character or life skills, then it might not matter if you are a master in your chosen field. No one wants to hire a terrible person. However, they are still very important for a well rounded adult which is exactly what I’m trying to raise. Which is why these 5 reasons to get your kids to help in the kitchen are important to me.

In the kitchen, there is an opportunity to learn in so many areas. In a recipe alone you get math, reading, science, art and vocabulary. There are a lot of fractions such as 1/2 cup or 1/4 tsp. Not to mention converting things when you’re doubling a recipe. Baking is a science. Ingredients work together to make a chemical reaction that make things rise properly. There are so many things to learn even if they are just helping you clean up in the kitchen. Doing dishes with my children is one of my favorite times of day.

Reason #4 to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

Confidence Building

Having skills in the kitchen gives your children so much confidence. Kitchen skills grow so quickly because there is so much consistent time that needs to be in there. Your children can be proud of making their first piece of toast by themselves and then it won’t be long before they’re showing you the cake they made by themselves as well. These achievements give kids so much confidence. Confidence that I certainly want my children to have! I want my kids to know that they can learn things and that if they fail, they also can figure out how to fix it. A skill that is used often in the kitchen.

Reason #5 to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

It Teaches Healthy Habits

When you look back on your childhood it can make you long for those meals you used to eat. “Just like mom used to make it!”. Instead of looking back on a bowl of macaroni and cheese, wouldn’t it be wonderful if your children start their lives off with healthy foods to begin with? That’s the goals I have for my children. When preparing meals together, it gives you yet another opportunity to teach your kids. Why do we use certain ingredients and why do we skip other. How do we make a well rounded meal? What is protein, fats and carbs? What vitamins are in the vegetables that we are using?

You could teach your children these things while eating dinner together (I recommend that too!) but it seems to be easier to absorb this information in the cooking process. Kids will ask lots of questions which can benefit you too! Maybe you can learn how to make healthier choices in the kitchen as well.

Summary

Sometimes I have to remind myself why I want my kids with me in the kitchen. I can do it faster and without as much of a mess. But seeing their skills grow and getting to spend time with them can’t be replaced by making things easier. My children are worth every second of instruction and correction.

So, I hope these 5 reasons to get your kids to help in the kitchen inspires you to change the kitchen habits in your home to make it a room full of love and learning.

Do your children help out in the kitchen? What are some of your favorite times with your children? Let me know in the comments!

If you want to make a fun recipe with your kids, why not try these Almond Joy Popsicles?

Check out the next post on this series about Kitchen Safety for Kids.