by Anita Brown

Created on: February 02, 2010

I believe it is very important to learn the art of cooking at a very young age. Assuming that we all live alone after leaving the nest. At least until we choose to marry. Something that every human being has do do, is nourish the body, we may as well learn to make the foods we like the best. Studies show that we learn more in the first five years of life than we will in a lifetime. So why not begin the early stages of cooking in those early years, In fact, the basics can begin as early as two. Cooking can be the best part of your day with your young child. The laughter will spill out , while at some point, a fairly tasty meal will be the end result.

As early as two years old we can be helpful in the kitchen, thus begins our cooking adventures. At two, children follow closely behind their care givers and mock everything they do. They love to please, so why not have them aid in the daily chore of cooking. They can easily put things in the trash can, or stir something with a wooden spoon. Believe me when I tell you, my children loved being in the kitchen with me.

At three, They can crack open an egg, or roll cookie dough into a ball. They are great at layering meats on a sandwich, arranging vegetables on a tray and tossing a salad. They are so eager to please  that they will attempt anything at this point. allowing your child in the kitchen, may even turn a stubborn eater into a child who will try everything, just because he/she helped make it.

Please remember to keep knives and hot articles away from your young child. Try letting them use a dull butter knife while you peel vegetables. Or let them put the already cut foods into the pot away from the stove. All prep work should be done at the kitchen table or counter top. Safety in the kitchen is very important while we are teach our child to cook.

Of course, you may have a little extra cleaning when your child cooks with you, but the bond you will share and the perfect cooking foundation you have given him/her is priceless. Have fun, perhaps someday you will have the pleasure of tasting a meal made by the very hands you so patiently taught to cook as a child.

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