Spending time in the kitchen with your family is about more than just making dinner—it is about making memories, learning new skills, and building healthy habits. Cooking at home with your family can be fun, rewarding, and even good for your health!
Why Cooking at Home Matters
Home-cooked meals are often healthier than takeout or fast food. When you cook at home, you can:
- Choose fresh ingredients
- Control portion sizes
- Use less salt, sugar, and fat
- Save money
Eating meals together as a family also helps build stronger relationships and encourages kids to try new foods.
Benefits of Cooking with the Family
- More family time – Cooking and eating together gives everyone a chance to talk and connect.
- Life skills – Kids learn how to read recipes, measure ingredients, and safely use kitchen tools.
- Healthier eating – Children who help cook are more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
- Boosts confidence – Being part of the cooking process helps kids feel proud and independent.
Easy Ways to Get Everyone Involved
You do not need a fancy recipe or a big kitchen to cook with your family! Try these simple ways to work together in the kitchen.
Pick a Meal Together
Choose a recipe as a family—something everyone will enjoy. Breakfast for dinner, taco night, or build-your-own pizzas are always a hit.
Assign Roles
Even young children can help with age-appropriate tasks like washing veggies, stirring, or setting the table. Older kids can chop, measure, or cook with supervision.
Try Theme Nights
Make it exciting with weekly theme nights like “Meatless Monday,” “Taco Tuesday,” or “Family Pasta Night.”
Make it a Game
Turn cooking into a fun challenge—who can create the most colorful plate or come up with the best smoothie combo?
Make Mealtime Meaningful
After cooking together, enjoy the meal at the table with no screens. Ask fun questions, share highlights of your day, or plan the next meal you’ll cook together.
References
Mills S, Brown H, Wrieden W, White M, Adams J. Frequency of eating home cooked meals and potential benefits for diet and health: cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2017;14(1):109. Published 2017 Aug 17. doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0567-y
“Cooking as a Family.” Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program. September 7, 2021. https://eatgathergo.org/gather/cooking-as-a-family/.