Recently, I made a Facebook post of my children baking. I received a comment on the post, saying that cooking felt like the 70's and that hardly anyone cooks nowadays. Well, call me old-fashioned, but I love cooking, and I believe that involving children in the process is not only beautiful but also comes with great advantages.

Are your children reluctant to try the food you prepare? Do you want them to make smart food choices in the future? Do you want them to grow into people who can take care of themselves, of others and of the food they consume? Here’s a random thought! You should let them cook with you!

If you have struggled with making your child try the veggie soup you prepared, or even eat your homemade pizza, the solution might be very simple. Make them a part of the cooking and baking magic. Get a tiny, fun and colorful apron for them, give them the flour, the spaghetti, and the eggs, teach them to stir, chop and fry; in no time, they’ll be wanting to devour their own masterpiece. Children who make stew are children who chew!

Speaking of chewing, the what is as important as the who. A healthy lifestyle should be promoted from a young age, and according to various experts, cooking at home is the healthiest thing we can do for ourselves. Food made at home is more nutritious. Furthermore, you choose your own ingredients and your own quantities. So, cooking equals health. Adding youngsters to this equation equals healthy children and future healthy adults.

I am sure you care about what kind of an adult your child will grow to become and I am positive you give your best to make them as perfect as can be. If you have ever tried making an omelet, pancakes or waffles with your child, you must have seen the joy of accomplishing something in their eyes, the delight that comes with being useful and helping out. Cooking teaches them responsibility – use the right ingredient with the right temperature so that your family is not left hungry. Cooking teaches them independence – make your own meal if your mom is in bed with the flu or your dad is a bit busy with work.

Preparing food with children is fun. Plus, you get to spend some extra time with them. To all the experienced cooks out there - the next time you prepare something, let your kid help! To all the first-time kitchen users - let your little ones go on the journey with you!

We would love to see you cooking together, so share your stories and photos with us! And don’t be afraid of letting your children make a mess out of your kitchen! After all, cleaning up is a part of the cooking process, and you should do it together!

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