National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day is a holiday observed annually on September 13th that encourages parents or guardians to cook alongside their children. Teaching children how to cook for themselves helps them become more self-reliant and can provide valuable information about eating healthily.

Cooking also enhances a child’s math and reading skills, allows them to develop fine motor skills, and introduces kids to scientific concepts such as the Maillard Reaction—otherwise known as the nonenzymatic browning of foods. Probably the main benefit of allowing children to celebrate this holiday, however, is to help foster the bonding that exists only when people prepare meals together.

The History Of National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day

This holiday was created by the Young Chefs Academy—an organization that encourages children to learn their way around the kitchen and to discover the joys of cooking.

Reasons For Teaching Your Children To Cook

Although we’ve already provided some reasons why we think cooking is beneficial for children, we thought we’d take a few moments to list a few more reasons why it’s important to observe this holiday.

Teach Children How To Safely Use The Kitchen

At some point in their lives, children are going to have to cook, and allowing them to start young gives you the opportunity to teach them how to do so safely. How to use a frying pan, how to cook in a frying pan, and what to do if there’s ever a fire are all important lessons.

Gives The Child A Sense Of Accomplishment

Another reason to teach children how to cook is that it builds self-confidence and helps them achieve a sense of accomplishment. It’s this self-confidence that will aid them not only in the kitchen but also in other areas of their lives as well.

Observing National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day

Everyone with children should take the time to let their children cook on this day—supervised, of course. Teaching children how to navigate a kitchen and prepare simple meals can be quite beneficial to their development.

Besides, it’s a great way for parents to bond with their children. While you’re giving your children control of the kitchen, take the time to use the hashtag #NationalKidsTakeOverTheKitchenDay to spread the word about this holiday.