Kids in the Kitchen
As I was making dinner today, I suddenly found an inquisitive little nose about two inches from the edge of the stove. My 3-year-old has gotten it into his system that he can do just about anything the grown-ups can, including cooking. I promised him that I will teach him how to cook, and that someday (if I will be so lucky), he will prepare the family dinner everyday.
I want to teach my children to cook. So, whenever I have the chance, I let my son stir, measure, and add ingredients. But I’m not always sure how to go about it. What’s safe for a preschooler to do? What can children handle at what age?
Emily Young of the Eagle-Tribune shares what she learned from kids in the kitchen. Here are some age-appropriate activities from cooking instructor Michele McKay, as related to Ms. Young:
3- to 5-year-olds:
* Stirring and mashing
* Putting premeasured ingredients into a mixing bowl
* Distributing soft spreads with a butter knife or the back of a spoon
* Cutting soft fruit, like bananas, with a butter knife
* Decorating cupcakes with frosting and sprinkles6- and 7-year-olds:
* Using a vegetable peeler
* Using a mechanical cheese grater
* Forming meatballs into shape
* Cracking eggs8- to 12-year-olds:
* Experimenting with different ingredients
* Planning menus
* Making a very simple meal or snack
* Following simple recipes
* Keeping hands and surfaces clean when handling and preparing food
* Using a knife properly for cutting or chopping
* Using small appliances, like the microwave, a blender and mixerTeenagers:
* Planning, preparing and serving a meal
* Understanding and following kitchen-safety guidelines, ideally without being distracted by things like a phone call or visiting friend.
Patience is needed in great quantities when teaching a child how to cook. I’ve had to put up with spilled sugar as he learns to spoon it out of the container, and oatmeal on the carpet as he figures out how to stir properly. I just remind myself that my reward someday will be a homecooked meal that I didn’t prepare, and the knowledge that I will have emparted an important skill that will serve my child well.
Read Ms. Young’s article for more information, including important safety tips, and some kid-friendly recipes.
via Eagle Tribune
Tags: children cooking, kids cooking, kids recipes, cooking, housekeeping, homemaking, kids kitchen
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POSTED IN: Cooking
1 opinion for Kids in the Kitchen
lulubird6
Feb 28, 2007 at 12:16 pm
have you checked out http://www.spatulatta.com? It’s a site for cooking for kids. I’m trying to teach my kids to cook too.
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