5 reasons your kids should learn to cook

Now or Never host Trevor Dineen asked two home chefs to help him beef up his cooking skills. Sophia Lacroix, 9, and Renee Mooney, 8, have both been helping their parents in the kitchen for years. They've also taken lessons to learn knife skills and make pizza and pasta from scratch. As they taught Trevor how to make chicken quesadillas, they also served up five good reasons for kids to learn cooking skills.

1. They build confidence.
"At first, I thought my food would be messed up because I was little, but I just told myself you should have confidence in yourself," said Renee Mooney.

2. They learn to be safe in the kitchen.
"I've had the fire alarm go off when I was making pancakes," Sophia Lacroix remembered. "[I learned] never turn the oven too high because otherwise your food will burn and the fire alarm will go off." ​

3. It helps them build healthy eating habits. 
Renee's mother Susan Krepart became passionate about cooking in her 20s. It's something she wants to pass on to her kids. "To be able to grow up knowing your way around a kitchen, I think you're on the path to being a healthier eater, and you're on the path to being more positive in your life." 

It's a sentiment echoed by Sophia's mom, Kim Lacroix. She said having kids in the kitchen helps teach them the importance of fresh, whole foods and encourages them to try new ones. "I know Sophia, out of my three kids, is definitely the most adventurous in trying and eating new things." 

4. It's fun.
"I think cooking is more fun than running outside and stuff like that," giggled Sophia Lacroix. The best part? "Eating the meal." 

5. Some day they will cook for you.
"That's the plan," Sophia's mother Kim Lacroix said with a laugh. "I'm just happy she's loving doing it. It's great that she's got a passion for it."