If you’re looking for a fun way to keep the children entertained indoors, a tasty solution is to get them involved with cooking. Cooking with children can help get them interested in healthy foods they might have normally turned their nose up at.

There are many benefits for children when cooking such as:

•  Feeling a sense of accomplishment and contributing to the family.

•  Parents get to spend quality time with their children.

•  Learning to cook is a skill children can use for the rest of their lives.

•  Positive cooking experiences can help build self-confidence.

Cooking activities are a great way for children to express themselves and enjoy their creations. Parents can help encourage their child’s interest in cooking by taking the time to cook with their child on a regular basis. Start with something simple when cooking with children, it is important to start with a recipe that does not require extensive preparation, such as an omelette or cup cakes.

Cook with your child when you know you will not be pressed for time or preoccupied by another responsibility, in order to be able to give your child your undivided attention while you are cooking and focus on enjoying the time you have together. Take time to explain the process, talk about ingredients, etc. Remember that one of the most important elements when using cooking as your learning tool is to be as talkative and descriptive as possible.

Cooking helps children develop skills such as counting, decision-making, measuring and creativity. It also helps your child develop qualities such as patience and open-mindedness. These skills and qualities will not only assist them in school, but will help them throughout their lives.

If you are looking for some inspiration to get started in the kitchen then this month, Greens launches ‘Greens Tuesday’ a weekly scheme to get people baking and enjoying time together.

Celebrity mum and TV presenter, Melanie Sykes joins baking experts at Greens to bring you ‘Greens Tuesdays’, the tasty new initiative to encourage a sense of caring and sharing across the nation. If you’re worried about the idea of tucking into a tasty Victoria sponge on a weekly basis, you could also get your children involved in selling the cakes for charity!

Get creative with your baking and arrange an event at work or a cake sale in your local area. Visit www.greenscakes.co.uk to download an NSPCC Stop For Tea fundraising pack filled with money making ideas, invites and information on how to donate.

Remember, good cooks of all ages always wash their hands before cooking. Don't forget to educate your child on the dangers of eating raw foods like eggs and meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables. But most of all have fun and don’t worry about the mess!