Teaching kids to cook: A lost Global Tradition
Cooking is one of the most fundamental life skills we can teach our children. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about fostering creativity, patience, and independence while helping them connect to food in a deeper, more meaningful way. For my daughter, this journey began when she was just three years old. One afternoon, I heard her call me downstairs, and when I arrived, I found her standing proudly in front of the kitchen counter. She had taken a whole apple, smashed it up in a bowl—seeds and all—and topped it with some premade pie crust. She looked at me and asked, "Mom, can you help me with the cinnamon and sugar for apple pie?"
That moment was a pivotal one. It wasn't just about an apple pie; it was about fostering a curiosity for cooking, empowering her to try new things, and embracing the joy of working together in the kitchen. All her life since she was in just a little bouncy chair she had been in the kitchen with me when I cooked. She watched her father and I make countless scratch-made meals and as she grows older it’s amazing to see her prefer to jump in the kitchen and cook something amazing instead of scrolling her phone or watching mindless TV shows.
Nurturing an environment where cooking together as a family is part of everyday life can shape children into healthier, more confident individuals. As I reflect on this journey with my daughter, I’m reminded that the benefits of teaching children to cook aren’t just personal—they’re cultural. Around the world, many countries value the importance of culinary education for children, and their approach to teaching cooking in schools provides a blueprint for how we can encourage these valuable skills in our own homes.
The Global Tradition of Teaching Cooking to Kids
While it might seem like a modern trend to get kids involved in the kitchen, it’s actually something that’s been ingrained in cultures across the world for generations. From Japan to Italy, cooking together is a way to pass down tradition, teach discipline, and promote health.
One of the most striking examples of integrating cooking into children's lives comes from China. In many elementary schools across the country, children are taught how to prepare their own lunches as part of their daily routine. It's a practical, hands-on approach that empowers kids not only to cook but to learn about nutrition, food safety, and responsibility.
Lunchtime is then an educational opportunity. Children are involved in everything from washing vegetables to making dumplings, stir-fries, and soups. Schools even have communal kitchens where guidance of their teachers, students work together to prepare their meals. It’s not just about making food—it’s about learning where their food comes from and taking pride in the process. The practice encourages kids to appreciate the time and effort it takes to create a meal, while also helping them develop an early understanding of healthy eating.
The result? Children grow up with a strong sense of independence in the kitchen, a deep connection to food, and a greater awareness of nutrition. It’s no surprise that this approach has contributed to some of the healthiest eating habits in the world. We can see it as clear as day in America- our kids have tons of allergies, auto immune issues, learning delays and other cognitive difficulties due to processed and ultra processed foods being the most accessible foods on the market. Not only this…but parents in America work more than they can live, making it nearly impossible for children to learn to cook when their schools just toss calories in front of them at lunch and it’s much easier to put something in the microwave or oven to save time on a busy American schedule.
In Italy we see the same thing…. food is much more than just sustenance—it's a cultural experience. Italian children are often introduced to cooking early in life, learning how to make simple dishes like pasta or pizza with their grandparents and parents. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, integrate cooking lessons into their curricula as a way to preserve local culinary traditions.
Cooking classes in Italy often focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and children are taught the importance of local food systems and sustainability. Through this, kids develop a deep respect for food, its origins, and the art of cooking. They learn that cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the joy of creating something from scratch and sharing it with others. Can you imagine if our kids had these opportunities here? The list goes on….
In Finland, home economics is a mandatory subject in schools, starting at a young age. Finnish children learn everything from cooking simple meals to household management, which instills practical life skills early on. Home economics is considered a key part of Finnish education because it encourages independence, responsibility, and a healthy relationship with food.
By the time they reach their teens, Finnish students are confident in the kitchen and know how to prepare balanced, nutritious meals. This education goes beyond just cooking—it also teaches kids how to think about food from a sustainability and ethical standpoint. This emphasis on holistic food education has contributed to Finland’s reputation for having one of the healthiest school meal programs in the world.
While different cultures have their own unique approaches, the central idea is the same: cooking is a vital life skill. Teaching children to cook not only gives them the tools to become self-sufficient but also has lasting health benefits. Studies have shown that kids who are involved in the cooking process are more likely to eat healthier, try new foods, and develop better nutritional habits as they grow. When children have a hand in preparing their meals, they’re more likely to take an interest in what they’re eating and appreciate the effort it takes to cook.
Moreover, cooking together strengthens family bonds and creates memories that last a lifetime. It's an opportunity to slow down, communicate, and share in the joys (and sometimes the mishaps) of making food. For my daughter, cooking with me has become a way of life, from making that first "apple pie" to preparing elaborate meals together like Bun Bo Hue, Gnocci, tarts, smoking meats and so much more. As she grows, I can see how she’s becoming more confident and creative in the kitchen, and it’s a privilege to share that journey with her. That being said, her picky little brother has finally found his footing in the kitchen too. While looking up to his sister, he went from preferring a diet of crackers and frozen pizzas and fruit to making his own amazing broths, sauces and marinades. He’s now 10 but I swear that kid can make the best buffalo sauce or Vietnamese dipping sauce out there.
How You Can Get Started Teaching Your Kids to Cook
If you’re inspired by the idea of teaching your kids to cook, here are a few tips to get started:
Make it Fun and Hands-On: Start with simple, hands-on recipes like making sandwiches, smoothies, or scrambled eggs. Let them help with each step and give them space to explore different textures and flavors. Eggs were a real good one for us because we could then go from making scrambled eggs to making quiches, frittatas and grilled cheese and egg sandwiches. It takes a bit of skill but egg drop soup could be your next favorite!
Use Age-Appropriate Tasks: For younger children, focus on tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or adding ingredients. As they get older, they can graduate to using knives (with supervision), setting the table, and even making their own meals. Great.full Goods has sold kids “knives” in the past. If you would like to order one for your little, we would be happy to help get you a safe wooden wedge-knife that will cut through apples, potatoes and more!
Focus on Nutritional Education: Use cooking as a way to talk about nutrition. Teach your kids why certain foods are healthy, how to balance a meal, and the benefits of fresh, whole ingredients. I liked teaching them about eating the rainbow. Now that my kids are older they’ll often come to me and say…ah! I haven’t had anything purple for the whole week, can you help me eat something purple? And I’ll then incorporate something that color in to our next few meals.
Create a Cooking Tradition: Make cooking a regular family activity. Whether it's Sunday dinners or preparing snacks together after school, set aside time for everyone to pitch in.
Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Result: Encourage your children to enjoy the process of cooking, not just the finished meal. This mindset fosters creativity and curiosity in the kitchen.
By incorporating cooking into our children’s daily lives, we’re not only teaching them how to nourish their bodies but also how to connect with the world around them. Whether it's inspired by traditions from China, Italy, or Finland, the benefits of teaching kids to cook are universal. It’s about instilling values of responsibility, independence, and cultural appreciation. And as parents, it’s a way for us to bond with our children while also passing down the joy and pride of cooking together. We have GOT to change the culture here in America. It is not sustainable for the environment or our health to continue to believe that fast-food and prepackaged foods are our only option. Maybe one day my dream will come true where we just have neighborhood cook outs multiple times a week where our whole communities gather and eat together.
So, the next time your child calls you down to the kitchen, ready to take on a new recipe, don’t hesitate—embrace the moment!
