the benefits of including kids in the kitchen infographic

Wednesday Nourishing Graphics:  

We are happy to share this infographic that further tells the story about the nourishing value of cooking with kids.

You have heard us talk about the importance of cooking with kids.  Some of the key reasons to bring kids into the kitchen have now been validated by research!

• cooking with children actually encourages them to try new foods
• when children cook with their families they feel proud of what they help create and they also feel like they have contributed to the family
• believe it or not, kids are more likely to sit down to a family meal if they helped make the meal
• parents and children spend quality time together when they are in the kitchen cooking together
• when kids are helping their parents or other grown-up cook or prepare a meal, they aren't sitting in front of the television or their favorite video game
• when kids are actively participating in creating the meal, they are less likely to be eating junk food or less healthy foods
• when children are cooking with grown-ups they are learning a lifelong skill that will be valuable to them when they have their own family
• when children learn healthy habits as children they are more likely to carry those healthy habits into adulthood
• when children have good cooking experiences it helps build their overall confidence and self-esteem; they feel better about themselves
• children who cook with their parents or other significant grown-up in their life may even be less likely to abuse drugs

Here is an infographic that we found that provides some nice overall benefits of bringing children into the kitchen and having them help in preparing the meal.  Remember that children as young as two can help in the kitchen.  There are lots of simple steps that are safe that they can help with.

click on the image to see the larger version.