CLEVELAND, Ohio — More parents are working from home now while also homeschooling their kids as a result of the pandemic. This "new normal" has many families seeking advice on how to make the most of all of this additional time together.
- New York Times Bestselling Author and Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Susan Albers says there are many benefits to cooking with your kids
- You can easily work in things like math or chemistry and life sklls that will be beneficial for years to come
- Don't be afraid of making a mess
Spectrum News 1 Reporter Alexa Maslowski talked with New York Times Bestselling Author and Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Susan Albers about the benefits of cooking with your kids.
Dr. Albers says not only is cooking with your kids a great way to bond, but it's also an easy way to teach them valuable skills and life lessons.
“Research indicates that kids who cook actually eat less processed foods, they're healthier, happier, and they find enjoyment in cooking throughout their whole lives,” she said.
She says cooking and baking are great ways to teach things like math and life skills, like upcycling, reducing food waste and being resourceful.
“Right now, food supplies are often limited or scarce so we really have to be creative with the foods that we have, you can look in your pantry and find some really simple ingredients that almost everybody has,” said Dr. Albers.
Dr. Albers says kids who can throw together a quick meal or snack eat less processed foods and will continue to enjoy cooking into adulthood.
She says don’t be afraid of the mess.
“Get messy, get in there... have your kids do what they need to do, and cleaning up is part of the life lesson.”