14 TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS

Cooking with kids is a great bonding activity. First, it is a valuable hands-on learning experience that develops basic skills like following directions, reading, and measuring.  Second, it’s a great opportunity to teach them how to make healthy food choices. Finally, it’s a lifelong skill that prepares them for adulthood.

However, cooking with kids can also be stressful if you fail to prepare and plan.  Listed below are a few tips and tricks for working with kids in the kitchen to make it an enjoyable activity for the entire family.

1. Allow them to choose the recipe or make suggestions.

When you allow them to pick the recipe, they have a more vested interest in participating in the activity.  They will take more pride in the outcome as well.

Kahlil making Christmas cookies with his daughters

2. Teach them basic kitchen safety.

• Using oven mitts.
• Teach them what to do in case of a fire.  They should know the location of the fire extinguisher.
• How to handle sharp objects.

3. Teach kids basic cooking skills. 

• How to use certain utensils.
• How to measure ingredients.
• The name and use of various pieces of cooking equipment.

4. Explain to children that parental permission and supervision is required to cook in the kitchen. Especially, if the recipe requires the use of a stove or sharp objects. 

Make sure they understand that this rule is for their safety and well-being.  Once they reach a certain age and/or skill level, they will be allowed more freedom in the kitchen.

My nieces preparing breakfast with their grandmother.

5. Have children read the list of ingredients and directions before they get started. Read them out loud for children that are unable to read.

Make sure they understand that reading the recipe before they start is an important step. It allows them to understand the recipe better and know what to expect before they start.

6. Gather and pre-measure the ingredients if you are working with small children. 

This step will make it easier for them to help when it’s time to mix and pour the ingredients.

Pre-measured ingredients for our edible cookie dough recipe.

7. Allow older children to gather and measure ingredients.

This will give them practice following directions and using their math skills.

8. Allow younger children to pour and stir ingredients.

This makes them feel like they are making a contribution, even if it is a small one. 

Noelle taste testing the ingredients.

9. Work the oven and do the cutting yourself until they are ready.

If you are working with small children or don’t feel a child is ready to do the task independently, do it yourself—model how to do these tasks until they are capable of doing it by themselves.

10. Teach them recipes that don’t require an oven or sharp tools.

All children should know recipes that are safe to do without adult supervision.  It’s just a basic cooking skill that all children should have.

Ayla and Noelle mixing the ingredients for the edible cookie dough.

11. Teach them to keep a neat working area and clean as they go.

They will have less mess to clean at the end.

12. Make cooking a regular activity.

The more they cook, the better they will be in the kitchen.  Practice makes permanent.

Noelle buttering the pancakes for breakfast.

13. Have them prep the dinner table and clean up afterward.

• Preparing the dinner table will teach them basic table setting skills.
• Cleaning up will teach them that they are responsible for cooking the meal, putting the food away, and making sure the kitchen is clean and ready for later use.

14. HAVE FUN!!

Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore.  It should feel like a fun family activity.  So, create memories and enjoy the meal at the end.

What are your thoughts?  Do you cook with your kids?  If so, what are some of your favorite recipes to make with your kids? 

BONUS:  For more educational tips and tricks for teachers and parents, check out my other website The Modern Schoolmarm.