Some girls seem busy pouring soil into a small plastic pot-shaped container placed on a small stove. Meanwhile, other children are busy cutting leaves.
There are mangrove leaves, small pieces of wood, banana leaves and various other types of leaves. The cut leaves are then placed in toy molds. Stir for a while until they are considered cooked. They are then served on plates and other containers. Then, the children enjoy the “dish” together.
The illustration above shows a scene of children playing cooking together. The atmosphere becomes very pleasant and you can imagine that when we were children we experienced something similar. With the advancement of technology that has also entered into digital games, traditional games like these have been eclipsed. Cooking games, which are usually the favorites of girls, are not seen very frequently anymore.
It is really unfortunate that our children no longer participate in these traditional games. The problem is that these games are very beneficial for children when it comes to promoting their psychological development. There are at least six benefits of playing cooking games to help children’s mental development.
First of all, these games can train children’s motor skills. In these games, there are activities like slicing, chopping, hitting, and other movements that involve the use of tools like knives, hitting tools like stones, and other equipment that requires the use of muscles and body movements.
This is where children should engage in activities that use their motor skills. They have to cut leaves or other objects with motor skills while using their sensitivity. Your speed and the results of your cuts and punches can indicate your motor skills.
Secondly, it encourages teamwork. Children who play cooking together will understand their roles. A child usually understands what she should do. Since they are in a group, no one will sit idle. They will surely assume their roles in the group while taking individual initiatives. Leadership qualities are often developed as well. One of them often unconsciously displays leadership qualities by delegating tasks to other friends.
Third, cooking games can teach children about sharing. The initiative to share the “cooked” results usually grows when they carry out these activities individually, that is, they cook alone and not in a group.
This also fosters a sense of family and care. They will share some of their “dishes” with other friends. They will distribute it to all their friends. This is crucial for them because those habits will carry over into adulthood. The habit of sharing and caring for others will grow and develop in your real life as you interact in society.
Fourth, these games also stimulate children’s creativity. Playing cooking games encourages your creativity. They will apply their empirical experiences in these games. In addition, children will also be creative when preparing other types of dishes based on their imagination or trying new recipes. This is where children innovate and exercise creativity by creating new dishes.
Fifth, these games also teach responsibility. Children’s sense of responsibility in these games increases, especially when played in a group. They understand the responsibilities assigned by their group. For example, a child in charge of cooking rice will look for the necessary ingredients and tools. Similarly, a child tasked with cooking vegetables and other people will do the same.
Sixth, introduce cooking knowledge. This activity is really beneficial for introducing children to real cooking. Children who cook stir-fry dishes, for example, need to know what ingredients are needed, what spices are needed, and even what kitchen utensils they need.
This is where new experiences arise. They apply their existing knowledge and at the same time learn additional knowledge from friends who know more. Children who have minimal knowledge about cooking will indirectly gain new knowledge from others in this activity.
Considering the numerous benefits of cooking games, parents seem to need to reintroduce these activities. From time to time we should involve children in these games. If possible, we can participate as well, imparting knowledge to them. The hope is that when they grow up they will become expert cooks, creative, responsible, caring and able to work together.
