Getting kids in the kitchen

What's the right age to get kids involved in helping out in the kitchen? What are things that your kids like or don't like to do, when it comes to cooking and food prep? How do you make food prep a family activity, and what are your tips for other moms?

7 Comments

Cornflake Girl

I am not sure the exact right age, I think it depends on how you are as a parent. My children have been helping me since they were 2. They love to help with everything. Now that they are older they read the recipe and measure ingredients out for me.

My daughter loves to cook anything and she really love to crack the eggs. I think it is her favorite part.

To get everyone involved we usually start by making cookies. The kids love it and then they are ready to start cooking the meal because dessert is already made.

I think you just have to remember to make it fun and to know that it is going to be messy.

Mon, 2008-11-10 07:05

Joy H

It's taken a while for me allow real kid assistance because I hate the mess. Some days are better than others. It started with letting them help me with stirring or simply pouring in premeasured/pre-cut items. Now we are up to letting them crack eggs, measure, and even cut. They LOVE to cut fruit for fruit salad; slice cucumbers for salad; use the egg slicer on hard-boiled eggs; and snap fresh green beans.

My 7yo has taken to wanting to wash dishes -- now THAT is a mess, but I'm trying to look beyond it and enjoy the help.

Mon, 2008-11-10 14:18

krismom

I think the right age is NOW. Just start as soon as you can.

As toddlers, my kids liked making mini pizzas with English muffins or pita bread - even at my DD's 4th birthday, this was a hit. Give them a spoon to spread the sauce, have ingredients cut up and ready (pineapple & ham, green/red peppers & smoked meat) and they can sprinkle it on.

Pouring/adding ingredients works well, and I find mixing does as well. Let them have a turn with a big wooden spoon and then make sure you get to have a turn! ;)

Krismom, young mommy to 2
krismom.com

Mon, 2008-11-10 17:52

FireMom

BigBrother has been helping me make random things since his second birthday. He is more than happy to help pour a cup of milk into a bowl or to cut out cookie shapes. Messy? Sometimes. Fun? Totally.

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Firemom of Stop, Drop & Blog
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Tue, 2008-11-11 11:04

LizPW

Kiddo is two and we have a blast baking together. He loves to dump things in the bowl and stir. Sometimes I just give him a bowl of dried noodles or other item and just let him stir along side me so he feels like he is helping.

He really loves to help in the kitchen and I love having him there with me while I am cooking, even if it is just to stir a bowl of dry macaroni.

Tue, 2008-11-11 13:00

GoodNCrazy

My kids have always helped their DAD in the kitchen on Sunday nights. They all make cookies. And I get to clean up! He is so happy to spend the time with them messy or not! Even our toddlers have gotten in on this.

And now my 4yrold little boy often talks about when he grows up he'll be a 'cook'. He loves it!

Tue, 2008-11-11 16:48

Asianmommy

If weeknights are too busy, I'd recommend cooking together on the weekends. My husband likes to make pancakes or cookies with the kids, & my friend just introduced me to making pizza with the kids. They have so much fun rolling out the dough, putting on the sauce, and choosing their own toppings. It doesn't have to be a lot of work. You just have to cut up the veggies. Trader Joe's provides pre-made dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni, & mozzarella. Pretty cool!

Tue, 2009-01-13 19:28