10 Reasons Kids Should Cook

At the Duck Egg & Lime Children’s Cooking Classes we really value the importance of Kid’s learning to cook. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten reasons why we think you’re kids should get active in the Kitchen.

1. A Skill For Life

Cooking is without a doubt an essential life skill. Confidence in the kitchen will stand to your little ones for years to come. Spending less on take aways when they leave the nest and an understanding of ingredients will ensure a healthier future for your children.

2. Builds an Appreciation for Real Food

The easiest decision when our kids are hungry is to reach into the treats press. Kids who cook are more informed. Cooking teaches your kids the health benefits of preparing their own dishes and the sheer amount of unhealthy ingredients in processed snacks.

3. Fosters Creativity

Children love coming up with their own original recipes. Their imagination really comes to life in food presentation. From cupcake icing to arranging pizza toppings, food decoration really encourages creativity.

4. Builds Self Esteem

Knowing their way around a kitchen, understanding ingredients, working out recipes and preparing dishes builds confidence and offers a sense of accomplishment in your budding chefs.

5. Instills Responsibility

Understanding kitchen safety, the importance of clean work surfaces, washing hands, keeping an eye on oven and hob timings, the importance of strictly following a recipe are just some of the aspects of cooking that help to build the responsibility in children.

6. Encourages Co-operation

Preparing food, whether its dinner or desert involves a great deal of co-operation between you and your kids. As independent as kids feel when they prepare their very own dishes they know adults come in handy for things like buying ingredients, lifting heavy pots, mixing and handling big awkward hot trays from the oven.

7. Discourages fussy eaters

Our fussy little eaters are far more likely to taste new foods if they are involved in preparing their own meals.

8. Gives them a role in the home

Studies have shown that a child who contributes to the home values their surroundings so much more. Unlike doing jobs around the house kids actually love contributing to the home through food preparation.

9. Brings Maths and Science into Their Lives

Food preparation involves counting, adding, even working with fractions (eg 1/2 cup), following instructions, not to mention a great deal of experimenting!

10. Introduces new cultures

These days our kitchens are full of ingredients from all corners of the globe. Italian, French, Indian, Thai, Spanish and Mexican cuisine have replaced the Irish staple of meat and two veg on our dinner tables. If kids are simply involved in preparing the daily family meal they’ll be introduced a whole host of cooking traditions from outside our little island.

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