| Gone are the days where all families eat at the | | | | family. * Kids are more likely to sit down to a |
| dinner table, children grow up cooking alongside | | | | family meal when they helped prepare it. * |
| their parents and one generation shares family | | | | Parents get to spend quality time with their kids. * |
| recipes with the next. Life seems to be more | | | | Kids aren't spending time in front of the TV or |
| hectic than ever and kids don't often get the | | | | computer while they're cooking. * Kids generally |
| chance to develop good cooking habits, which | | | | aren't eating junk food when they're cooking a |
| affects their health in the long run. And for some, | | | | meal at home. * Learning to cook is a skill your |
| bad eating results in obesity and other poor health | | | | children can use for the rest of their lives. * Kids |
| conditions. At an early age, kids need to learn | | | | who learn to eat well may be more likely to eat |
| basic healthy cooking techniques, and experts | | | | healthfully as adults. * Positive cooking |
| suggest it's well worth the effort! Among the | | | | experiences can help build self-confidence. * Kids |
| recommendations in a recent American Heart | | | | who cook with their parents may even be less |
| Association report on overweight problems in | | | | likely to abuse drugs. * Eating properly can help |
| children and teens were: * Reducing the number | | | | improve memory and test grades. What's healthy |
| of meals eaten outside the home. * Having | | | | eating for kids? Eating more fruits and vegetables, |
| structured times for family meals. * Offering | | | | having whole grains and beans when possible, and |
| healthier, low-calorie foods. * Involving children in | | | | choosing leaner types of animal foods (sneak |
| meal planning, shopping, and food preparation. | | | | some fish in now and then.) So get them in the |
| Cooking with children has both short-term and | | | | kitchen! Have them help prepare meals, measure |
| long-term payoffs: * It encourages kids to try | | | | ingredients, peel veggies, or hand mix. Involving |
| healthy foods. * Kids feel like they are | | | | them with the food they eat will have long-lasting |
| accomplishing something and contributing to the | | | | health benefits. |