The kitchen can be a fascinating place for young children. They
see grown-ups working briskly in there, watch the steam rise from
pots on the stove, and smell what's on the menu that night.
Even older kids might be intrigued by how baked goods and meals
come together. It isn't always convenient to invite them into
the kitchen to help, but consider doing so when time allows.
Younger kids can watch what you're doing and help out with
small tasks, like stirring something or setting the table. Older
kids can be taught how to crack eggs or measure ingredients. Even
teens might be lured into the kitchen if you tell them they can
choose the dish and you'll help prepare it with them.
To the kids, it will seem like fun, but there are other benefits
to this time together:
- Preschoolers
see how the dishes they eat are put together - and they get
hands-on experience, which is a great way to learn and feel like
they are helping out.
- School-age kids
can learn some cooking basics and use their math skills as they
help combine ingredients for recipes. You also can use the time
to talk about good nutrition and why you chose the ingredients
you're using. It can lay the groundwork for healthy eating
later on.
- Teens
might appreciate the chance to improve their cooking skills -
good preparation for when they'll need to cook for
themselves. Teens also might be interested in trying different
cuisines. Do they love Asian food? Visit an Asian market and put
together something authentic.
Parents get something out of this kitchen togetherness, too.
First, there's the quality time you'll share. Then
there's the pleasure of sitting down at the table together to
enjoy what you've whipped up.
Here are some tips for having fun and staying safe while
you're cooking with kids.
Choose the Right Time
If you're going to have kids helping you in the kitchen, you
don't want to be on a tight time schedule. Instead of involving
them in a dinner you have to cook lightning-fast, enlist their help
on a weekend afternoon when you don't feel crunched.
With younger kids, choose a time when they're well-rested
and not easily frustrated. It's also a smart idea to have
another adult in the kitchen to help you keep an eye on your junior
chef.
Choose the Right Tasks
Plan ahead a little when deciding what you'll prepare
together. For younger kids, consider starting with simple dishes
with fewer than five ingredients. Then your child won't have to
wait it out while you tackle a complicated step. A tossed salad or
easy muffin recipe can be good starter projects. You also might set
up a pizza-making assembly line where kids can choose their own
mini-crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Older kids can take
cooking to the next level and work with you on more challenging
recipes.
When you've chosen a recipe, think about which steps your
child can do independently. For instance, kids who can read can
call out the ingredients from the recipe card while you put them
out on the counter. A younger child can help you pour ingredients
into a bowl. An older child might be able to measure out
ingredients and add them unassisted.
Doing some prep work in advance, such as rinsing the berries for
muffins, will make the process move more swiftly. If there's a
lull in the action, you might consider giving your child a
well-deserved break. Then you can call him or her back in when
there's another kid-friendly task to do, or when it's time
to taste what you made.
Stress Safety
Children need supervision when they're in the kitchen.
Preschoolers must learn not to touch whirring electric beaters, hot
pans, and stovetops.
Here are some safety tips:
- Give frequent reminders about what's OK to touch and
which items can hurt them.
- Talk about which kitchen tasks are for grown-ups and which
are for kids.
- Establish kitchen rules, such as washing hands and not
touching stove knobs or knives.
Even older kids will need safety reminders, especially if
they're working with appliances and knives, or at the
stove.
Loosen Up
Kids cannot be counted on to be neat in the kitchen. Even adults
have trouble with that. To make your experience together more
enjoyable, allow for some extra mess and try to be patient. To
prevent cooking disasters, be sure your child isn't measuring
ingredients over the bowl - risking a big oops. Instead, you might
measure them separately and put them in small bowls, like they do
on TV cooking shows.
Even if everything doesn't go perfectly, try to keep the
mood light. If the egg gets more smashed than cracked, offer some
guidance and let your child try again. Little by little, kids will
gain these skills - and feel great once they're mastered.
Last, but not least, be sure to compliment your assistant
chefs on a job well done. Offer them first taste of whatever
you cooked together - and ask what you should make together next
time. Bon appetit!
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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