Children learn to eat new foods by seeing, smelling, touching and sampling them.
They are more likely to try new foods that they have helped prepare themselves.
You will have better luck introducing new fruits and vegetables to children if you give them a chance to help in the kitchen when you are cooking.
Start with the easiest tasks first, such as stirring, pouring, shaking and tearing. Next, help them with spreading, mixing and kneading. Supervise the harder tasks, like cutting, grating and measuring.
It’s natural for children to make a mess when cooking. But keep it fun. Just be patient and match the tasks to the children’s ages and abilities.
Cooking is a great way for children to use math skills and develop coordination while spending quality time with parents. And as a bonus, they are learning to eat healthy food.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
A Message from the University of California Cooperative Extension.
