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My best memories of childhood were in the kitchen with mom. My mom had a sneaky little way of giving us responsibility but disguising it as fun. By initiating your kids into cooking by little gestures like letting them put toppings on their own chips for an ooey gooey nacho dinner that is personal sized in a pie tin, to letting them design the Christmas cookies, children will start to take interest in baking basics.

Everyone likes to eat, so it isn't really that hard to get kids involved. Let your kids knead the dough when you're making a pizza or baking bread. Getting their hands dirty seems to be kids favorite thing to do anyway. Dinner time should be a family affair, so why should cooking be any different.

For slightly older kids who know safety first when using knifes, put them in charge of chopping veggies. While they are chopping away, the veggies they end up eating will do a body good. For younger helpers, let them collect the veggies for you, throw them in the pot, or give them a thorough wash in the sink before you're ready to use them.

So your kids don't get in the way, like your little angels ever would, give them projects that take a while. I remember during baking, my mom would cut off a section of dough and allow us to shape our cookies however we wanted. I thought she was the best mom ever, but it wasn't until I grew up she let me in on her secret. She wanted to keep me occupied and keep my germy hands out of the Christmas cookies. I didn't know that, I was content to be her little helper.

Another job that kids seem to love is making meatballs. Although I detest rolling meat, kids seem to get a kick out of it. It's gooey and makes them feel like they're making mud pies in the back yard. Make sure you wash their hands thoroughly before hand, and explain to them the dangers of handling raw meat. They should wash directly after rolling their little tasty treats.

Allowing your kids to have some responsibility while planning a menu and shopping let's kids be creative and engage in the cooking process. Send kids on errands in the store and take their suggestions to heart. Let them look at cookbooks with pictures and explore new fruits and vegetables with them to expand their tastes.

Cooking should be fun, creative and and a way for your to bond with your children. The less you make cooking feel like a chore, the more fun you will all have. Turn up the music, act goofy and enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Molly Carter.
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