Just a few days ago, I had a school project where I had to make an atomic model, and I could use food to make it. I, as with most of the class, chose food. Now, cooking with children can be dangerous, but fun, if done right.
Before you start anything else, SAFETY FIRST! Cooking with kids isn’t always fast or convenient, but when it is an option, it is a learning experience that draws the family together. Also, people assume it is mainly for younger kids, but you can cook with any age child, even teens.
- For younger kids, roughly ages three through six, you should have them stick to more basic tasks, such as helping scoop foods, stir mixtures, etc. Primarily simple tasks are good.
- When it comes grade school age kids, roughly ages seven though eleven, they can learn some cooking basics and use their math skills as they help combine ingredients for recipes. You also can use the time to talk about eating well and what food to eat. Also, you can begin to teach them how to handle knives and hot objects with care and safety.
- Many people feel it would be hard to drag a teen into the kitchen, but it is beneficial, and he actually may like it (gasp!). This is very true for older teens, as they need to learn how to cook before going off to live alone. Teens can cook the meal themselves, all you do is guide them. Teens also might be interested in trying different cuisines.
The most important part is stressing safety at a young age. If you’re teaching a young kid about cooking, remember to stress safety and not touching hot or sharp objects, so this won’t be a lesson later.
Cooking with kids is fun and important, just do it right.