by Freyda Tartak

Created on: October 03, 2009

There are few things that kids value more than getting a chance to feel included in stuff their parents usually told them they were too young to do. So, when it comes to teaching your child to cook there is no need to rush into the complicated business of safe food handling and sharp utensils. These things will come in due time.

Baby Steps

A lot depends on the age of the child. But, as long as they show interest in helping they should be given the opportunity to try. Keep in mind that they are just a kid and don't expect too much. It will take longer and will be messier. But, they'll feel proud to have been part of it. The key is to plan ahead and explain what is involved and which parts they just watch instead of do.

Most people begin with baking something. Getting the child to help gather the ingredients from the pantry and set them out on the table will mean less waiting before they can get involved. They may not be old enough to mix the stuff but, they can help pour in the ingredients into the big bowl and help hold it.

Another great task for the little ones is putting the cupcake liners into the muffin pan. Aside from putting too many in each slot there isn't all that much that can go wrong. Plus, it keeps them busy while you are doing things like cracking eggs.

Let Them Decide

Involve your child in the recipe selection. Many cookbooks and even online recipes offer photos of the finished product. Let your child decide what they want to cook with you. If you don't have the ingredients on hand, go to the store together to pick the stuff up. The feeling of pride they have will only grow with each added layer of responsibility.

Let's Talk Numbers

One of the best things about cooking together is the chance to bring math into the everyday. Talking through how much is needed and what to do to get that amount will make abstract concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and fractions that much easier to relate to. All of a sudden they'll be able to touch and feel things that seemed completely strange when the teacher was talking about it.

It's Not About The Food

Cooking together is about connecting with each other. Some kids will genuinely want to learn the process. But, for most it is just an opportunity to get your undivided attention. See it for what it is, and don't get too hung up on perfection or the amount of mess being created. Kids only stay little for a very short time. Then they get too big and too busy to spend time with mom and dad. Fostering the right climate will ease the transition from parent to friend when they are older and it will make the teen years just a bit more bearable. Once, in a while, it may even mean that they'll cook you dinner.

Bon apetit!

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