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Not only is it great fun for kids to be involved in the kitchen,you can reinforce math skills and develop a bond with your kids in the process.

1)The first place all of my kids started was mixing powdered sugar-free lemonade and water in a pitcher. Fill the water in the pitcher, help them open the container of lemonade, and then let them pour it in. Give them a large spoon to stir. Then let them add ice cubes. Then for fun pour the lemonade in a freshly washed toy teapot and have a little tea party with the lemonade and perhaps a few animal crackers or crackers and cheese. To reinforce math you can count the stirs with the spoon or the number of ice cubes added to the pitcher.

2) The next easy place to start with cooking is instant pudding. Kids are so proud of themselves when they can make a dessert for supper and of course everyone will rave over it. Allow the child to pour the pudding packet in the bowl and help them measure the milk. At first you may need to get the powder and milk incorporated, but then let them wisk away until it is creamy and set. Get out some attractive dessert dishes and let the child put the pudding in the dishes. The edges can always be washed off. Then let the child place a little whipped topping on the top of the desserts. Gelatin mixes are another great place to start with your assistance. Let the child count the dishes to match the number of people at the meal.

3)The third easy place for kids to cook are dips. Purchase sour cream and powdered ranch dip mix and let them mix. Let the child arrange pre-cut vegies on the plate with a little bowl of the dip. Let the kids make a fruit dip with a mixture of cream cheese, brown sugar and caramel ice-cream topping. You can slice the apples for them and the kids can arrange on a plate.

4) The first real hot cooking that all of my kids made was French toast and pancakes. A great investment is a large electric griddle that is fairly safe for kids to use with your supervision. Purchase a good buttermilk pancake mix and make according to instructions. Give the child a 1/3 cup measuring cup to pour onto the griddle. Give them some mini chocolate chips and let them sprinkle the chips in the batter, smiley faces are always good. Have a nice big spatula and show the kids how to flip the pancakes. The same things apply to French toast. Don't use regular white sliced bread. It just won't hold up with little fingers dipping. Buy a firm French baguette. Help the child with breaking the egg and measuring the milk. Then let them wisk, dip the bread and put it on the griddle.

5) The next place to start cooking is pizza. Whether you make dough from scratch, buy a mix or pre-made dough, all kids love making pizzas. Have them start with sprinkling cheese and build up to spreading sauce and adding toppings, to eventually rolling out the dough.

These are a few of the early steps, which are very simple. Teaching kids to cook is a gradual process. As they grow older progress to more difficult items and give them increased independence. The key to success is to be prepared for a little mess. Have a wash cloth and towel handy. Then always keep in mind presentation. If you present whatever they made, even the most simple instant food in a fancy dish, the kids will beam with pride. Even if you never cook any fancy foods, letting kids help with the meals is fantastic time to talk and hear about your child's day. I have heard amazing stories during this time. Also cooking is a great time to reinforce math skills such a fractions and counting. Cooking with kids is a great opportunity, don't let it pass you by.

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