There are lots of ways you can make mealtime special and make the most of time in the kitchen with your child.

For example:

• Involve your child in planning family meals and talk about the importance of eating balanced meals.
• Ask your child to help you prepare family meals. He or she can read the recipe instructions and measure and mix ingredients, prepare baking pans, etc.
• Play simple math games as you cook. While he or she is helping you measure, your child can practice counting, weighing, measuring, and working with fractions.
• Finally, make grocery shopping a family activity, too.

For additional tips, recipes, activities and more, visit the Cool Food for Kids Cafe.