Some of my favourite childhood memories happened in the kitchen. Whether it was making traditional Brazilian birthday chocolates with my mum, baking bread with my aunt, or learning my grandma’s special recipe, those moments hold a special place in my heart. It’s funny because, despite all that, I’m not exactly a good eater—some would even say I’m fussy!

When I became an Early Years practitioner, baking naturally became my favourite activity to do with the children. What I discovered about baking with little ones might surprise you—and it’s about so much more than just making tasty treats… I realised it was the joy of teaching new skills and seeing my little ones grow more confident and independent. That’s what made baking with them truly special.

As adults, we often avoid including children in activities like baking because it’s messy or time-consuming. It’s easy to think, “I’ll just do it myself.” But isn’t this just part of life and parenting? If we don’t take the time to teach them now, how can we expect them to develop these essential skills for the future? Baking with children is not just about learning a recipe—it’s about teaching valuable life skills. Here are some of the “hidden” skills children can learn in the kitchen:

 ·         Exposure to different foods: Involving children in baking helps them explore a variety of ingredients, textures, and flavours in a positive way. Trying foods in a hands-on context with no expectations can make them more open to tasting new things, reducing picky eating habits. Presenting familiar ingredients in different forms (like raw fruit versus fruit in a cake) helps children see food from new perspectives.

 ·         Fine motor skills: Pouring ingredients, rolling dough, and chopping fruit all strengthen hand muscles, which are essential for developing pre-writing skills. Handling tools like a spoon, whisk, or rolling pin also helps refine grip and control, laying the foundation for tasks like holding a pencil or using scissors.

 ·         Hand-eye coordination: Following visual cues with hand movements, like pouring liquid into a bowl or sprinkling toppings onto a pizza, helps develop coordination. This skill, although often taken for granted, is crucial for daily activities, from dressing to playing sports.

 ·         Early maths: Measuring ingredients introduces concepts like weight, volume, and quantity. Counting spoonfuls, dividing dough, and calculating baking time help children practise addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a practical, hands-on way.

 ·         Science: Exploring how ingredients interact (like mixing milk and flour to create dough or adding beetroot to pasta for a vibrant colour) helps kids understand basic scientific concepts. Observing changes, such as how heat transforms batter into cake, nurtures curiosity and scientific thinking.

 ·         Emotional skills: Baking teaches patience (waiting for the dough to rise), turn-taking (sharing tasks), and following instructions step-by-step. These skills support emotional regulation and social development. Plus, baking together fosters a sense of connection and belonging, creating positive emotional memories.

 ·         Confidence, independence, and self-esteem: Treating your child as capable builds their sense of competence. When children complete tasks independently, whether it's mixing ingredients or decorating cupcakes, they feel a sense of accomplishment. Encouraging them to try again after a mistake teaches resilience and builds self-confidence.

 ·       Language development: Narrating the process and naming ingredients helps build vocabulary and comprehension. Describing actions (like “whisking,” “kneading,” or “folding”) enriches their language skills, while talking through each step supports listening and following instructions.

 Yes, life is busy, and baking with kids can feel chaotic, but the benefits far outweigh the mess. Including your child in baking and cooking at home builds a positive relationship with food, teaches life skills, and creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, messes can be cleaned, and children can learn responsibility by helping with tidying up.

Take the time to bake together—you won’t regret it!