- Be ready to share the kitchen with your kids. Expect spills and some mess. That is part of the learning and experience.
- Start on a weekend when you have extra time. Friday night or Sunday brunch are good times for many families to cook together.
- Cooking is teamwork. That means everyone needs to be included in the cooking. For a list of tasks that children can help you with in the kitchen, click here.
- Be patient and relax! Kids need to practice and will get better at cooking with time. Eventually, they will be able to help you on weekdays.
- Set up some kitchen safety rules. These rules, however, should not take away the fun from cooking, but rather make sure kids are aware of the basic kitchen rules that will prevent accidents and make the experience enjoyable for all.
- Have an adult supervisor with young kids at all times.
- Do not short-order cook! Introduce new items with familiar ones. Assemble ingredients and equipment on the counter before starting to ensure a smooth and fun cooking session.
- Review recipe with your kids. Introduce any new cooking terms, utensils or foods.
- Be food safe.
- If you are looking for books with recipes that kids can help you with, click here.