Involving children in the cooking process makes them more likely to get excited to try new foods and less likely to become picky eaters. Many of the lessons we learn through cooking are transferable skills; basic math in measuring, order of operations in following a recipe, patience when things take time, and so much more! Whether your child is 18 months or 18 years old, it is never too soon (or too late) to start cooking with kids!
Kitchen Safety
Emphasize safe kitchen practices from the beginning. Sharp knives, hot stove tops, and electrical appliances can all pose a danger to children if they don’t know how to be safe with them. Many parents let the fear of these risks prevent them from cooking with their children at a young age. Kids really do understand more than we give them credit for. They are capable of so much! Always supervise young children in the kitchen and consistently remind them of safe practices, but don’t let fear stop you from introducing them to the kitchen environment. We all have to eat, so we can all benefit from the ability to prepare a meal. Even toddlers can understand that heat can burn and cuts can hurt. Position yourself between your child and the stove. Always supervise when they handle appliances or sharp tools. Taking the time to explain why they need to ask for help with certain equipment and continually demonstrating safe use will help them learn.
Getting Started
Familiarize children with the kitchen environment. Narrate what you’re doing while you cook. Have them play in the kitchen while you work. Banging on pots and pans is a classic way to occupy little ones. You can set up a simple sensory experience with kitchen scraps as you cook. Having play kitchen toys nearby allows them to pretend to cook along with you.
Start with the basics. Toddlers can learn to stir, dump ingredients in a bowl, pour liquids, sprinkle seasoning or rip lettuce with their hands. Older kids can be a little more involved from the beginning by reading the recipe, measuring ingredients, and starting to use small appliances.
Cooking foods that kids are already familiar with and enjoy is an easy way to get them excited to work in the kitchen. Read the recipe with them before you begin, explaining the different tools and ingredients you will use. Cookies can be a really fun first recipe. Even something more simple like a fruit smoothie can be an adventure with kids. Prepare for it to take longer than normal and probably make a mess. Cleaning up after is part of the lesson!
Having patience and keeping a positive mindset will make it a better experience for everyone. Don’t be afraid to take a break, pause for a snack, or even start over if you have to. Lessons are learned even when plans change.
Tools
For most recipes, even young children can be given helpful tasks without needing any special tools. A step stool or chair might be helpful for smaller children to reach the kitchen counter. If they show a genuine interest in cooking, it may be worth getting them their own set of measuring cups or an apron but it’s certainly not necessary.
small whisk, silicon spoon and spatula for toddler use
Proper knife skills are a crucial ability for cooking. It can be scary to hand a young child a knife for the first time. For little ones, there are safety options like wood or plastic knives that really can’t break the skin. This does mean they will require more force to actually chop an apple or carrot. Peeling produce ahead of time will make it easier for a child to use these tools to make successful cuts.
You know your child best. You can certainly involve them in plenty of recipes without having them cut anything or use any appliances. Work within your comfort zone and build from there. Including children in simple tasks like juicing a lemon or peeling potatoes helps build a solid foundation that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning in the kitchen.
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