I won't lie to you. It will probably be easier for you to cook by yourself. But the short-term payoff is your child's joy and sense of accomplishment. The long-term payoff is genuine help in the kitchen. Of course a little encouragement and an occasional pat on the back from Mom or Dad never hurt.
Children are more likely to eat food they helped prepare.
Therefore, you stand a better chance of Johnny being interested in healthful food if Johnny actually helped prepare the healthful food. By the way, most of the food activities in Someone's In The Kitchen With Mommy are reduced in fat and sometimes sugar. And many of the activities help develop an appreciation for fruits, vegetables, grains, and other healthful foods. Cooking is an educational alternative to television and computer games. Children at a young age should be using their hands often and experiencing as many different things as possible.