Kids can really benefit from helping in the kitchen during the holidays. Learn how with these 7 Reasons to Let Kids Help with Holiday Baking.
It never fails that once kids hear all of the bustling going on in the kitchen, they want to join in and help. Kids love creating things, so it is no surprise that they are drawn to the kitchen when they see cooking under way. Your first instinct might be to shoo them away, as allowing them to join in could get messy. But the truth is, there are so many reasons to welcome them with open arms and allow them to help. Sure it may slow down the process and the mess may be a bit bigger, but the perks of allowing them to help is worth it. Take a look below at 7 Reasons to Let Kids Help with Holiday Baking, so you can make the most of this special time together.
7 Reasons to Let Kids Help with Holiday Baking
1. It takes away from screen time. These days, anything that gets kids to turn off the television or video games is worth it. If your child shows interest in culinary arts, allow them to join you and learn. With all of the television and screen time in general kids absorb these days, this should be a welcomed and encouraged change.
2. It teaches tradition. Do you love making your grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe? Or maybe you make your aunt’s famous apple pie. Whatever the case may be, if you are preparing certain dishes out of tradition, now is the time to invite children in and let them learn these family recipes. If you don’t show them, who will? This is a wonderful way to pass traditions on to them.
3. It conveys the message that preparing food for someone is an act of love. Preparing a meal for family, especially a large meal is an act of love. By showing them how important it is to spend time preparing a special meal is, you are teaching a valuable lesson that will serve them well. It will encourage them to show acts of love and kindness as they grow older and see how important family meals are.
4. You can practice math skills. Your child needs hands on practice utilizing math skills such as measuring and weighing. When you allow them to bake with you, they get a chance to put these skills into action. Allow them to measure out and weigh ingredients for recipes so they can be just right, and your child can get some real life practice.
5. They can also practice their reading skills. Invite children to help you prepare a recipe by being in charge of reading the recipe. Have them read the ingredients and instructions if they can, which is another hands on way of using skills they have been learning about. This is real life practice, preparing them for one day reading recipes on their own.
6. It is important to show them to see a project through. Preparing a holiday meal or doing your holiday baking takes planning. While you might get tired and discouraged, it is important to see the project through. Inviting your child to join you shows them that even if you hit bumps (or burnt cookies!) you carry on and finish the task.
7. Baking allows them to practice kitchen safety. Kids need to learn how to safely navigate a kitchen. When you allow them to help you bake they get this practice in. They can learn more about handling knives, ovens, mixers, and other kitchen gadgets safely and effectively.
So don’t keep kids out, but invite them in this holiday season to help with all of your baking needs. You will find it to be a wonderful bonding experience and one they will always remember.
More Ways to Let Kids Help Around the Home:
11 Ways Kids Can Help in the Kitchen
How to Get Your Kids to Help with Chores
Creating a Chores List for Kids of Any Age
How to Teach Kids Math Skills in the Garden
Would you like to save this article?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Scott says
I had never thought that one good reason to let kids help with baking is that they are able to apply their math skills. I can see why this would be good for them to practice and make it fun at the same time. My nephew is going into second grade next year and has been practicing some simple addition. I’ll have to talk with my sister using cooking as a way to apply his learning.
Elizabeth Manneh says
These are all great reasons to let your kids join in with your baking. I loved baking with my kids, and although they’re all grown and flown now, we love to cook when we do get together. I think it’s one of the best ways to build a strong bond between families.