Christmas Cookies: Hidden Benefits in Holiday Tradition
Abigail Hassert, MS, OTR/L
Baking cookies is an exciting and meaningful Christmas tradition among families all over the world. Baking Christmas cookies allows you and your family to not only spread Christmas cheer, prepare (and anticipate!) the holidays, but also make memories that last a lifetime. However, did you know that baking Christmas cookies can have a significant positive impact on your child’s development?
Benefits of Baking
There are so many ways that baking can benefit your child! These are just some of the ways that different aspects of baking can influence childhood development:
- Following step-by-step recipes can assist with activity sequencing, planning, and following instructions (all components of executive functioning skills).
- Rolling out cookie dough can assist with coordination between each arm.
- Standing at the counter while completing activities can increase balance and trunk control.
- Applying icing, sprinkles, and other decorations can assist with hand strengthening, fine motor precision, visual motor skills, and pressure modulation (ability to determine how hard/soft touch needs to be).
- Mixing dough with hands can provide tactile sensory input.
- Making mistakes such as spilling, burning, or forgetting an ingredient can assist in the ability to regulate emotions and problem solve.
- Being in the kitchen can promote safety awareness around sharp, hot, and other dangerous objects.
- Baking with others can promote appropriate and positive social interactions.
The next time your family decides to bake Christmas (or any time of the year) cookies, we encourage you to remember these benefits and allow your child to participate. Not only will you make precious holiday memories, but you will be contributing to the development of your kiddo!
Click here for the recipe to the delicious cookies pictured above. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Hogg Therapy Pediatrics!
