Show Kids They Matter in the World by Teaching Them to Cook
In this busy, over-scheduled world where suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people (after accidents), what do kids need most of all?
Hint: It’s not participation trophies.
They need to know they’re loved.
That they have intrinsic worth.
That what they do makes a real impact on the world.
In our work with over 100,000 families, classrooms, homeschool co-ops, the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, and Dr. Hyman’s Ultrawellness Center, we hear over and over again how GOOD kids feel when they accomplish real grown-up tasks.
When they feed other people…and see the looks on their faces as the kid-made food is devoured.
No one even has to say, “Good job,” (but they usually do).
A child who sees the impact they make on a basic human need like sustenance, sprinkled with the accomplishment of making healthy food tasty — that child knows they’ve done something special.
And the confidence they feel in the kitchen tends to spill over into other areas of life.
My daughter Leah was a reserved 5th grader when she surprised the socks off me by running for class officer.
I watched in awe as she wrote her speech, including how responsible she is at home, cooking dinner every Sunday and learning to babysit her little brothers.
I know her confidence blossomed because she knows not every 10-year-old can do what she can do. 🙂
And that felt great!
She even went the extra mile and left little encouraging notes on every student’s desk. Cue Mom’s heart exploding with joy…
The sad news at the end of the story?
The kid who gave all his classmates candy on their desks ended up winning – I have thoughts about that but that’s a commentary for another day!
The good news is that although Leah’s heart was scuffed, it wasn’t scarred, and her confidence continues to grow.
My favorite story about Leah and Paul cooking together and taking a risk was the closing story when I spoke to a group of medical practitioners – here’s a 20-second excerpt from that speech so you can hear the story:
I’m not the only one who discovered their kids have more confidence after learning how to cook!
Over 70% of our members report increased confidence as the most powerful benefit they have experienced!
One of my daughters taught all the little kids in a local cooking class how to cut up bell peppers, because Kids Cook Real Food has given them confidence!
Adria, single mom of 2 from CA
Joseph, age 6, made homemade taco seasoning as a Christmas gift for his grandparents and teachers – when his first grade teacher asked for the recipe once hers ran out, he beamed and told his mom, “Did you know Mrs. – LOVED the taco seasoning and even her kids loved it?!?”
Joann, stay-at-home mom from TN
How we Build Confidence at Kids Cook Real Food
EMPOWERMENT
When kids feel competent at a real skill like feeding someone else, the pride on their faces in undeniable. Building these skills in fun and memorable (and safe!) ways through our engaging videos helps kids feel confident that they really can be accomplished in the kitchen!
COURAGE
This one’s for you, parents! If you are afraid to get your kids in the kitchen or don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Our families find great courage in using the videos and report feeling completely confident about working with sharp knives and fire!
SERVICE
A whopping 60% of members discovered their kids had more motivation to help out with meal prep, and it turns out that service begets service. When working to feed others, children tend to think outside themselves more and be more gentle, thoughtful and generous even with their siblings.
COMPETENCE & INDEPENDENCE
It’s what kids need to nail job interviews, stand up for what they believe in, and know that they matter and can make a difference in the world. Self-esteem built in the kitchen on the foundation of true competence gives your young cooks the toolsets to be independent in life and successful in so many arenas.
Building cooking skills is truly such an authentic way to build self-esteem, but it’s also fostering something else that teachers say is truly lacking in this digital age.
Can you guess what that is?