When I was little, my mom gave me a children’s cookbook that quickly became one of my most treasured possessions. We spent countless hours together flipping through its pages and making simple but delicious food. My favorite recipe was marked with a little heart, and before long, those pages were stained with drips of batter and splashes of juice.
Even as a teenager, when my friends came over, I’d pull that same well-loved cookbook off the shelf and make my favorite smoothie or fruit salad from its pages. Looking back, that cookbook gave me far more than recipes. It instilled confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for cooking. More importantly, it showed me that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare food—it was where memories were made, conversations flowed, and family bonds grew stronger. That’s why I believe cooking with your kids is about so much more than what’s served at a meal.
One of the greatest benefits of cooking with children is the chance to teach them practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives. From measuring ingredients and reading recipes to understanding nutrition and kitchen safety, these are learning moments filled with valuable lessons. Even the youngest toddlers can help stir batter or wash vegetables.
Cooking together also encourages healthy eating habits. When children help prepare a meal, they’re more willing to try new foods because they’ve been part of the process. Homemade food, especially snacks, is usually made with wholesome, clean ingredients. Healthy eating habits and preparing homemade food foster a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food.
The meals you prepare together create opportunities for conversation and strengthen relationships. I’ve found that so many of our traditions are built around food, and allowing little ones to be part of those holiday preparations can be magical. Whether it’s picking peaches together and making cobbler each summer or whipping up banana pancakes on Saturday mornings, these traditions create memories that will last forever.
As my mom did with me, I raised my kids—and now my grandkids—spending time with me in the kitchen. There is nothing better than a toddler on a step stool beside me helping make the yummy masterpiece of the day. The giggles, the messes, and sharing that first bite are priceless experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. Cooking with kids is truly one of life’s greatest joys.
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My First Homestead Cookbook, by Lana Stenner, provides easy, delicious recipes for your child to build confidence and culinary skills. From Sammy the Sheep Bana Pancakes to Dirt & Worms Pudding, you’ll make sweet memories as you cook up tasty creations together. Just ensure adult supervision and LET THEM COOK!
Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.
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