Did you know that one of the proven ways to connect with your child on a consistent basis is by parenting them in the kitchen? What does that mean, and why is it so important to raising children? Parenting in the kitchen includes encouraging your kids to be a part of mealtime planning, active in food preparation and making regular family mealtimes a priority, even with the youngest kids. Starting early is key to raising children who make sound, safe decisions when they are teenagers. Research from Columbia University shows that children who have regular family dinners with their parents are much less likely to engage in smoking, drinking or using drugs. As a pediatrician and a feeding specialist, we know that creating a family culture where you and your kids connect and communicate around the family dinner table includes involving everyone in the family with these three steps:
