Cooking together as a family provides the opportunity to talk about our relationship with food and making nutritious choices to nourish our bodies. It also boosts confidence, creativity and strategic planning skills, plus it’s an excellent opportunity to practice following directions from beginning to end.

Here are four strategies to get kids involved in the kitchen:

Select the right recipe. Allow kids to choose the dish they want to make, helping to narrow down their choices to a few limited options. For example, provide them with three recipes that are nutritious, age- and skill-appropriate, and let them select one that inspires them the most.

Take them shopping. Review the recipe to make a grocery list of necessary ingredients. When possible, allow kids to select specific items at the store when there are multiple options. If a recipe calls for fresh herbs, consider buying a windowsill herb plant to expand their experience.

Make it a party. Jazz up kitchen time with fun aprons. Pretend you’re hosting a cooking show. Play music. Dance around. And above all, know that it’s OK if mistakes (and messes) are made.

Celebrate and savor together. Whether the dining table is filled with family, or friends and neighbors are invited, encourage your child to share their meal with others. After all, so much of the joy of preparing a meal is watching loved ones enjoy our creations.

Looking for more resources for kids?

Check these out:

• Parent Tip Sheet: Getting Kids in the Kitchen: This tip sheet, created by the National Institutes of Health, provides ideas on how children of various ages can assist in the preparation of meals, as well as tips on getting creative during mealtime.
• Eat Fit CHOP: Kids in the Kitchen provides culinary toolkits, recipes, workbooks and activities to local schools, camps, recreational departments and youth programs. Email Erin Arceneaux at earceneaux@ochsner.org for more details.

Editor’s note: A version of this article originally appeared on the “FUELED Wellness + Nutrition” segment on Good Morning New Orleans on WGNO.