Share |

How to Cook with Kids

By Martha Sanders

Kids love to get into the kitchen and help mommy and daddy cook dinner. Cooking is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children. It is important that you create a kid-friendly cooking environment to ensure fun and safety in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you cook with kids.

Choosing the recipe:
There are many great cookbooks available today for children. My kids tend to gravitate towards books that have nice illustrations so that they can compare their finished creations.

To avoid frustrations and disappointed, it is vital to choose a kids recipe not too complicated and suitable for your kid's age. Kids are likely to continue cooking after they have tasted the sweet fruit of success.

Before cooking:
Get everyone to wash their hands with warm soapy water; girls should tie up long hair and ideally, every kid should have his own apron. Or, get them to put on any old T shirt.

Gather all utensils and ingredients you need on the table. Get your kids to read the recipe aloud beforehand and make sure you introduce the items by pointing them out one by one to your kids. This will enable them to follow the recipe smoothly and prevent any messing around looking for equipment and ingredients.

Make good use of this opportunity to talk about nutrition and explain why these foods are good for them.

Cooking:
Young kids can learn to mix and stir, tear and break ingredients into smaller pieces. Make it a point to demonstrate various cooking terms and methods like mushing, kneading and rolling.

Older kids can start learning cutting skills with knives and kitchen scissors. You have to gauge for yourself the maturity of your kids before letting them get close to sharp objects or near heat sources such as stoves and ovens.

Do not shout or scold your kid if he is not doing things correctly. Instead, let him be independent and only offer to help when he cannot manage on his own.

If you have more than two kids in the kitchen, remember to allow each kid their chance to participate.

Cleaning:
Always have a damp cloth or paper towel handy to wipe any spills immediately. After cooking, assign appropriate cleaning tasks to your kid to instill the importance of responsibility.

Cooking with kids is a fun and creative activity. Once you see that your kids are more confident and ready, why not let them explore the exciting world of baking?

4 Mom-Tested Tips to Teach Kids About Hygiene

Know why personal hygiene is important to kids' health and learn how you can educate kids on hygiene.

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Kids to Save Money

Help your kids understand the concept of money and teach them about saving as early as possible.

6 Fun Ways to Motivate Kids to Do Chores

Household chores teach kids responsibility and life skills. Discover how you can get your kids to do housework, and keep them interested every time.

5 Creative Ways to Get Kids to Eat New Foods

Is your toddler stuck in a food jag and won't eat meat? Find out how you can get your super picky eater to try new foods and receive the essential nutrients to support overall mental and physical development.

5 Deliciously Fun Ideas to Make Kids Eat Fruits

Can't get kids to eat fruits? Steal these creative fruit serving ideas right away and watch your children chomp down fruits like they never did before!

5 Healthy Peanut Butter Substitutes

If PB is banned at your kid's school because of nut allergy concerns, don't miss these nutritious and tasty peanut butter alternatives.