By Todd Wineburner

Connections between parents and children can be strengthened in the kitchen. That’s according to Monica Nyman, a registered dietitian and Senior Nutrition Educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council.

Nyman says one of the obvious benefits of bringing children into meal preparation is extra hands to help with the work. She adds, though, that there are very real developmental benefits for the kids. “They feel accomplished, they have more confidence, it allows communication,” Nyman says, “and you can teach them so many things just by having them come into the kitchen with you.”

Nyman says children can start helping with meal preparation at a very young age. Younger children can help with sorting and cleaning, for example. As children get older and their skills develop, they can take on more complex tasks and eventually be trusted to complete entire dishes by themselves.

More ideas from Monica Nyman can be heard on our podcasts page at WJEZ.com. You can also visit the St. Louis District Dairy Council online at stldairycouncil.org.