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It's a wonderful idea to get kids involved in the kitchen as soon as you're comfortable with some extra helping hands. Their participation gives them a better understanding about all the various foods they can enjoy, but it can also promote creativity and boost their developing motor skills, and even help them learn about math.

Prior to the little ones joining in on the culinary fun, a few food-safety basics should be discussed: washing hands before beginning, keeping long hair out of the way, using a damp cloth to wipe fingers and spills, and giving the lowdown on measuring cups and spoons.

"Beginning cooks" -- those who have just turned 5 -- can...

It's a wonderful idea to get kids involved in the kitchen as soon as you're comfortable with some extra helping hands. Their participation gives them a better understanding about all the various foods they can enjoy, but it can also promote creativity and boost their developing motor skills, and even help them learn about math.

Prior to the little ones joining in on the culinary fun, a few food-safety basics should be discussed: washing hands before beginning, keeping long hair out of the way, using a damp cloth to wipe fingers and spills, and giving the lowdown on measuring cups and spoons.

"Beginning cooks" -- those who have just turned 5 -- can actually tackle a host of tasks, according to Colleen Weeden, a test kitchen home economist for Better Homes and Garden.

Those starting-out duties include measuring ingredients, stirring or whisking batters or sauces, mashing potatoes, greasing pans, layering sandwiches, or adding toppings to pizzas. (Kids younger than 5 can help with tasks similar to the latter two, such as decorating cookies.)

However, you'll want to be clear about what tasks should be handled solely by you, from lifting heavy pots off the stove to slicing and dicing with sharp knives.

After your child has clocked some time in the kitchen, you may begin to notice a happy occurrence -- that he not only wants to help, but is also making menu suggestions. If you've been incorporating healthy fare into your meals, chances are, he'll show interest in those foods as well.

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Jul 5, 2007 at 10:39:43 AM

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Giggles_all_day
4 days ago

Traditions are made

I had my children start helping at an early age. Even if they made a mess, I let them help. It is nice to now have all three of my children being able to cook any type of meal and also experiment. The best memories we all have are the...  read more

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crazedparent_cpb
August 23, 2007

Little Chefs

Both of my sons became avid little helprs in the kitchen at the age of two. Even if it meant just standing next to me on a chair, watching me stir a pot of something on the stove, they loved (and still love) being around the kitchen when...  read more

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garybaer
July 24, 2007

Picky Eater Helps to Cook, Eats Fun Meals, and Learns Rhymes, Colors, and More!

Well, I have finally come to the conclusion that helping in the kitchen is the best way for children not only to learn, but to eat fun and creative foods. When Joshua was born, I had a feeling after 6 months, he would not be a big eater...  read more

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