Parents on the hunt for summer activities for their kids might want to look close to home: the kitchen!

In this ParentingU episode, Dr. Thiravat Choojitarom, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health pediatrician with a passion for culinary medicine, shares how time spent cooking can teach kids real-life skills that last far beyond summer.

From cracking eggs to choosing recipes, Dr. Choo breaks down age-appropriate ways to invite kids into the kitchen and let them take the lead. Along the way, he explains how cooking together builds confidence, sparks creativity and encourages healthier eating habits.

You'll also hear why boredom isn't the enemy of growth, how modeling behaviors matters more than micromanaging and why it's okay if the pancakes come out a little wonky.

With practical tips and plenty of encouragement, this episode is your reminder that life skills don't have to be perfect to stick. They just have to start.

Key Moments:

The Importance of Culinary Skills for Kids – 2:57
Age-Appropriate Cooking Skills – 5:16
Encouraging Independence in the Kitchen – 7:54
Other Essential Life Skills for Kids – 9:20
The Power of Boredom – 11:24
Making Cooking Fun –18:09

Need some recipe inspiration? Download Dr. Choo's red gravy and salad dressing recipes: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ParentingUS5E4_RedGravyVinaigrette.pdf

Learn more about Dr. Choojitarom: https://doctors.ololchildrens.org/provider/thiravat-choojitarom/1297388