Whether it is mixing, measuring or scooping, they jump at the chance to cook with mom. I will admit, sometimes I don't have a lot of patience, but thinking about the benefits of cooking with kids helps to put the little messes and spills in perspective.

Cooking builds self-esteem. Helping in the kitchen builds confidence and early skills of independence. Most kids feel proud and important when they help prepare food.

Sharing the family tasks helps them feel that they belong in the family. Cooking teaches. Kitchen tasks give your child a chance to measure, count and see food change. That's early math and science learning. Your child can learn new words and symbols by cooking with you. Talk about the food and what you are doing. Read words together on food containers. Cleanup teaches responsibility. It's part of many creative, messy things we do.

Cooking together is fun family time. Kitchen time offers a special parenting chance. Cooking together creates closer bonds and lifelong memories. It's also a chance to hear what your child has to share.

Safety always comes first when cooking with kids and it is a good idea to talk about being safe in the kitchen before getting started. Here are examples of kitchen safety rules for families:

* Always begin with hand and table washing.

* Fasten hair back if it's long.

* Taste with a clean spoon. A licked spoon goes in the sink, not back in the bowl.

* Stay away from hot surfaces and sharp objects. An adult needs to help.

* Resist nibbling cookie dough and cake batter.

* Wipe up spills.

Expect large and small messes to clean-up young children don't have the same muscle coordination and skills that you do. Even if meals take longer to prepare, it's worth letting your child help. Kitchen time is learning time that you share together!

Cami Wells is a Hall County extension educator for home economics.