The simple act of cooking together can improve the entire family diet, minimize meal time battles and create a lifelong, healthy relationship with food. Even the simplest tasks – like having them break eggs for scrambled eggs on Sunday morning – can initiate a love of cooking.

Cooking together provides a natural way to discuss nutrition, good eating habits and the impact their food choices have on the environment. The more educated they are about food, the more likely they will appreciate your suggestions to eat something healthful.

Kids are much more likely to eat what they make. They love to be creative – is there anything more fun than getting to eat your art project? It’s a great acitivity for picky kids who resist trying new foods because they are more open to eating an unfamiliar food if they helped prepare the meal.

What else do they learn? Science, language, math, counting, fractions, budgeting, weighing, sequencing, measuring, problem solving, sharing, fine motor skills, and reading.

Even if they don’t wolf down their first few creations, don’t worry – you are still introducing them to a wider range of foods and better nutrition. Eventually, they will copy your eating habits (beware!), so stick it out – they will eat more variety as they mature.