1. Learning to cook helps kids to learn about nutrition and healthy eating. Child obesity is on the rise! Teaching kids to cook will help instill skills to last them a lifetime.

2. Boost their self esteem. If your child needs a boost of self confidence, (and who doesn't!) cooking in the kitchen will do just that. They are accomplishing a task, learning something important and contributing to the meal. My niece is now starting to take over the whole process. I just tell her the steps to follow and guide her.
3. Create family time and bonding. Take time to cook with your kids and they will have memories that will last. My niece now looks forward to coming over and cooking with me.
4. Kids will be more apt to eat what they make. Whether is just their pure enthusiasm of creating something themselves, or they work up an appetite during the process, this is great way to introduce foods they may not eat on a regular basis
5. Kids learn real lessons in science, language, math and creativity. Cooking will help reinforce all these subjects with measuring, mixing, new vocabulary, etc.
6. They are learning a life skill. We don't want our kids to grow up relying on fast food and junk food to sustain them. Teaching to make something other than Top Ramen can be life fulfilling.
7. Contributing to the family and helping will make them feel the important, which in turn will lead to them wanting to help out more in other areas.
8. They are working together as a team, whether it is with a parent or with a sibling to get the job done.
9. Cooking teaches them planning and making choices. I like to ask my niece what she wants to make from a list of options. Then we go shopping together, which is also teaching her another tool.
10. Their creativity and imagination can unfold. Cooking activities are a great way for kids to express themselves and enjoy their creations.
Always remember, have patience. Don't worry about flour on the floor or spilled milk. I try to clean up as we go if possible. But in the end, you can also have them help out with the clean up too. I also recommend getting aprons for all involved - that makes it a little more fun as well.
(Source: examiner.com)