Ask some parents to picture their kids cooking, and they may feel a stab of horror. Messy kitchens, undercooked entrees and dangerously sharp tools are just a few of the concerns parents have about their kids helping out in the kitchen. But would you believe that cooking with your kids doesn’t have to be a source of stress?
In reality, teaching your kids how to cook is an excellent way to foster healthy eating habits and future life skills — all while enjoying some quality family bonding time. It also promotes responsibility as children learn to clean up after themselves and take pride in their creations. And you may be surprised when you learn how early this process can start.
Even preschool-age kids can help out in the kitchen with small tasks that will build their self-confidence and teach them about food. Starting with simple tasks like washing vegetables and stirring batter, they gradually learn valuable skills. No matter your kids’ ages, there are some core ingredients for success in the kitchen: creating a kid-friendly kitchen space, following basic safety rules and choosing age-appropriate recipes together.
Cooking with kids is also a great opportunity to explore different cultures and cuisines. Preparing international dishes like sushi rolls one night and Italian pasta another can expand their tastes and teach them about global food traditions. Additionally, these cooking sessions offer a chance to discuss nutrition, such as the benefits of whole grains and the importance of colorful vegetables, fostering healthy eating habits from an early age.
Last but not least, remaining mindful of the cooking process will help you truly cultivate your little ones’ love for cooking. Before you know it, they might even be helping you create your next family meal plan — or at least making suggestions from the peanut gallery.
Kid-friendly essentials to use in the kitchen
All too often, grown-ups forget what it’s like to be small: it’s one of the reasons why we’re reluctant to let kids play outdoors on their own, for example. And when it comes to cooking, from out-of-reach ingredients to overly large utensils, kitchens just aren’t built for little ones. Adjusting your kitchen to be more child-friendly isn’t just about safety; it’s about making cooking fun and accessible. Luckily, there are some simple tweaks you can implement to create a safer, more inviting kitchen environment for your kids.
Tools for your miniature Master Chef
From kid-safe knives to smaller cutting boards, there are many different options out there that are designed to help kids get involved in the kitchen. Colorful utensils, fun-shaped food cutters, and even character-themed cookware can make cooking more enjoyable for children. A kid-sized apron will help them stay tidy, while oven mitts for older kids will help them grasp hot items safely.
Limiting your kids to child-safe tools doesn’t have to hold them back in the kitchen. Encouraging children to take on more complex recipes as they grow older helps to maintain their interest in cooking. For example, you can prepare a sausage and veggie sheet pan dinner together by delegating some of the chopping to them while you supervise.
Another useful tool to consider is a child-friendly cookbook. These books are designed with simple instructions and plenty of pictures to guide young chefs through the cooking process. Some popular options include “The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen Kids and “Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)” by Deanna F. Cook. These cookbooks often include tips and tricks tailored specifically for young cooks, making the learning process both fun and educational.
Help kids reach what they need safely
Sure, your little ones might be willing to help you out by clambering all over the counters in search of the baking powder. An easier and safer option is a toddler tower, an adjustable stool designed to help toddlers reach what they need safely. Even a simple step stool may be enough to give your kids that extra boost. An organized kitchen where everything has a specific place will also help kids learn to put things back where they belong.
Depending on how your kitchen is designed, you may want to set aside a reachable space for the utensils and ingredients that your kids use the most often. Labeling drawers and cabinets with pictures or words can help young children identify and remember where things are stored. For example, are your lower shelves dedicated to big pots that only get used once a year? Consider moving them elsewhere to free up that space for your kids’ cooking supplies.
Safe practices for your kitchen
Cooking together means that you’re around to supervise, but even the most careful parents can occasionally get distracted. Implementing a ‘no running’ rule in the kitchen can prevent accidents and keep the environment calm. Teach your kids these kitchen rules to keep them out of danger in the kitchen, with appropriate tweaks for their age as needed:
- Basic hygiene. Your kids should tie their hair back and wash their hands as needed. Fresh produce should be rinsed, and raw meat should always be handled with caution.
- Handling hot surfaces and sharp objects with caution. Even if your kids are too young to use dangerous objects like the stove or knives, make sure they know what those objects are so that they do not approach them.
- Safe cooking techniques. Teaching kids to use electrical kitchen gadgets under supervision can be a fun and educational experience. As your kids get older, you can teach them how to cook and chop safely.
- Basic first-aid knowledge. Accidents happen, so make sure your kids understand what to do. For example, if they’re old enough to cook alone, teach them to always smother a grease fire, not pour water on it. Likewise, younger kids should know how to deal with small cuts or burns and where to find first aid supplies.
- Clear guidelines. Establish a kitchen cleanup routine that involves everyone, which can teach kids the importance of tidiness and responsibility. Your kids should know what they can do on their own and when to ask for help or supervision. For example, maybe your kids are old enough to prep ingredients on their own but need your supervision to use the stove or the oven.
Choosing recipes to enjoy together
Today, saving money on groceries is already challenging enough. Cooking with kids can also be a great way to teach them about budgeting by explaining why certain ingredients are chosen over others. The last thing you want is for food to go to waste because of a recipe gone wrong. Carefully picking recipes can help you avoid kitchen disasters and wasted food.
Simple meals with only a few ingredients or don’t require heat are good choices for young chefs. Encouraging kids to suggest additions or changes to recipes can spark their creativity and interest in cooking. You should also look for recipes that focus on stirring, pouring or assembly, which are a great match for kids.
Cucumber tomato bites require mixing but not heat, making them a dish that kids can help with. In fact, involving children in the presentation of the meal can boost their excitement about eating healthy foods they’ve helped prepare. You may be surprised at how much your little ones enjoy carefully assembling the bites.
Here are some other factors to look for when evaluating recipes:
- Learning opportunities. Help your kids practice basic math skills like fractions, counting and measuring through cooking. Asking little ones to read recipes out loud is a great way to improve their reading comprehension, too.
- Customizable dishes. Introducing a weekly ‘design your dish’ day can empower kids to choose healthy ingredients and build their meals, fostering independence. Do your kids love it when they get to make something of their very own? Personal pizzas, burritos or tacos will let them take the lead.
- Creative cooking. Theme nights like ‘Superhero Suppers’ or ‘Wizarding World Wednesdays’ can make mealtime magical and fun. Spark kids’ interest by introducing themed cooking adventures like Meatball Monday or breakfast for dinner. Or show them how to add a twist to traditional recipes, such as by making this taco dip with cream cheese.
Cultivating a love for cooking
When you’ve had a tough day and just want to put dinner on the table at a reasonable hour, it’s tempting to shoo the kids away from the kitchen. Establishing a ‘fun fact’ moment during cooking can make these times educational, such as discussing the history or origin of what you’re cooking. Preparing every single meal together may not be realistic. But as you try out new recipes together, you might be surprised at how much you and your kids begin to love cooking as a family.
Cooking together isn’t about maximizing efficiency or doing it perfectly. Instead, it’s a way to help your kids develop skills they will later use to thrive as adults.
So don’t panic if things go wrong at first. Encouraging a ‘no-failure, just learning’ approach can help children handle setbacks in cooking and other areas of life. Celebrating small successes and learning from mistakes will provide your little ones with the patience and encouragement they need to keep coming back. And someday, when your kids are grown-ups making all sorts of delicious dishes, you can reflect on how it all started in your very own kitchen.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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