Teaching Your Child to Cook

Teaching a child to cook is a fun and rewarding way to not only spend time with your child, but to help them learn a skill that will stay with them their entire life. You can begin the teaching process at a very early age. Children as young as 2-3 can begin helping by stirring or getting you items out of the cupboard or refrigerator. Here are a few more tips for teaching your child to cook.

First, remember that safety is tops. Always make sure your child understands what utensils or appliances they can use. There is nothing wrong with telling a young child that knives and the stove are off limits. Even though they may not be able to use the stove or sharp knives yet, be sure to tell them what you are doing so they know the basics. By doing this, you will also help the child to feel connected to the process.

Children under 5 are very useful and love to add and mix ingredients. They are also ready to help decide what meal should be prepared. Asking them what they would like to make for dinner really helps them to get involved. Older children 6-10 are ready to take on more responsibilities, like measuring and learning how to use the microwave. Pre-teens and teens really want to take the process over. Let them plan a meal, shop for ingredients and help them prep. At this age, teaching them how to properly use the stove, knives and other kitchen appliances is a must.

Teaching your child to cook allows you to enjoy some really quality time with your kids. It also allows for passing of family traditions and that special recipe. If you take the time to enjoy this with your children, they will always thank you for it.