The holidays can be a stressful time for both parents and children. But one good way to provide quality time during an otherwise hectic season is to involve the whole family in holiday food preparations. Not only will it help build family traditions, but it's an avenue for better communication and bonding, as well as a way to teach children about nutrition and encourage healthy, lifelong eating habits.
Cooking also encourages good social skills including cooperation and decision making.
Another way parents can turn holiday food preparation into a learning experience is by exploring the ethnic origins or customs associated with a particular food. Plan a trip to the library or local bookstore for stories on holiday traditions and recipes. In many families, holiday cooking has been limited to helping to bake or decorate cookies and treats. However, children can participate in every aspect of holiday cooking from meal planning to shopping, preparing foods, and setting the table. Tasks should be age-appropriate with supervision provided as needed, depending on the job assigned and the age of the child.