Parents and Children in the Kitchen

The 21st century poses many challenges to the family as a unit. In the last century, the model of the average family moved progressively into the small nuclear families that we mostly see today. This is true perhaps more than any other time in history. As a result, many of today's families struggle to maintain a healthy and functioning family unit and to cope with the challenges that life throws at them.

Most of the children in our schools are dealing with blended families, single-parent families, families with no support from extended family members and families that are on the brink of a split. This does not mean that things are all negative for every family. There are many families that have not, and are not dealing with these issues. Yet on some level, they have to carefully navigate their way around family life in the 21st century.

In the not too distant past, the majority of families lived in the rural areas of the country. In these households, everyone pitched in to complete the many tasks to be done around the home. Children did not begin work at the age of 14, which is the legal minimum working age in most places. Rather, they began to take on chores as soon as they were physically able; at a very young age compared to today's standards. For young girls, these tasks often included cooking. Even today, cooking is a daily household task that our children can still reasonably get involved in. It is a household task that can be fun for children and that is packed with a host of other benefits.

There are stresses involved in having a nuclear family that don't necessarily present themselves in households that have lots of extended family around. Taking care of these extra stresses can at times provide fewer opportunities for parents to spend time with their children and to bond. Families that cook together can use this activity to bond and to kills many other birds with one stone.

Benefits of Parents and Children Cooking Together:

• Cooking is a fun activity for all of the family

• Parents can bond with children while cooking

• Family recipes can be passed on from parents to children with a sense of heritage

• Cultural traditions related to food can be passed down

• Family traditions can be created around cooking and the major holidays

• Fun can be created naturally around an every day activity

Many individuals and families in today's society, are struggling with issues related to diet. A combination of social factors contributes to this rise in obesity which is currently at unseen levels. Excess weight leads to many illnesses which places huge strain on the healthcare system. Many governments are attempting to counter this epidemic through educational and awareness campaigns.

A great way for your family to stay healthy and to keep your weight at normal levels is to cook your meals at home. Parents can further educate their children on making healthy food choices by chatting about the ingredients they are using while cooking meals together. If your children learn how to eat well and enjoy healthy foods at a young age, they are much more likely to continue this trend as they grow older and when they start families of their own.