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Children learn by touching, tasting, feeling, smelling and listening. They love to help prepare food and cook because they can use all their senses - and they like to eat the foods they make. Cooking with kids helps teach skills and makes cooking fun at an early age, allowing children to associate cooking with pleasant thoughts and feelings.
Consider these kid-cooking tips before you begin:
- Good cooks of all ages always wash their hands before cooking.
- Remind children to wait until the dish is done before sampling to help prevent illness.
- Expect spills and messes.
- When dealing with short attention spans, assign quick, simple jobs and give clear direction.
Children can do more as they grow:
Two-year-olds are learning to use the large muscles in their arms. They will enjoy activities
such as:
- scrubbing vegetables and fruits
- wiping tables
- dipping vegetables and fruits
- tearing lettuce and salad greens
- breaking bread for stuffing
- snapping fresh beans
Three-year-olds are learning to use their hands. Try activities such as:
- pouring liquids into a batter
- mixing batters
- shaking a milk drink
- kneading bread dough
Four-and-Five-year-olds are learning to control smaller muscles in their fingers. Offer them experiences such as:
- rolling bananas in cereal for a snack
- juicing oranges, lemons, and limes
- mashing soft fruits and vegetables
- measuring dry and liquid ingredients
- beating eggs with an egg beater or whisk
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