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Involving kids in the kitchen is an ideal way to create enduring memories and teach valuable lessons.

In fact, memories are just waiting to be "whipped up" in your kitchen. After all, kids have the remarkable ability to transform even the most commonplace activity into a novel event full of joy and discovery.

Granted, involving kids in the cooking process may take longer, but it is time well spent. Slowing down to show your grandchild how to do something does take time, but it's worth it when you see the pride and practical skills the child gains. If you're like many grandparents, you know that with a little training and supervision, kitchen time can be educational and fun.

Fun With Food
Kids learn best when they are playing and having fun. What better way to have fun with learning than to bring out the chef in your grandchild? Becoming an integral part of the cooking process will promote healthful habits. Early cooking experiences will likely kindle the desire to learn more as your grandchild embarks on this culinary journey.

Eating is an important part of our lives, and learning to prepare food can be just as fun as eating. Janine Killeen, a registered dietitian at St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, N.Y., says children who learn to cook are creating building blocks for a lifetime of good nutrition. With the glut of convenience foods available today, fewer kids actually know how to prepare a home-cooked meal, adds Killeen.

"It's vital we encourage youngsters to participate in meal preparation," she says. "Cooking together is a fun way to ensure your kids develop healthy habits since they love to help. When kids have a hand in the creation of meals, they are more likely to try new foods and discover the joys of eating good food. It's also a terrific way to deal with fussy eaters. Kids will often try unfamiliar foods if allowed to transform them into personal creations."