HOw to Get the Kids More Involved in Cooking?

[cschin4]

I have 3 kids 6, 10, and 12. I would like to get them more involved in cooking. Seems like we are just too busy and this is a skill I would like them to learn and to teach them some better nutrition. How should I split this up? Have all kids help? Or assign one child per day or week? I think I would like them to help choose the groceries as well to learn that. Any suggestions and what are some things they might really enjoy cooking and eating?

[PrincessPerky]

I have always found too many cooks spoil the chefs temper (meaning mine) so I would prolly go for one at a time. (I do with my kids-the other ones are on cleanup or Daddy time..unless Daddy is the chef)

As to getting them involved..start with foods they like..teach them how to make em a bit healthier..like hotdogs, shop for decent ish brand, and add a veggie of their choice. (summer is great for this as a tall kid can help at the gril, short kid can help inside with non cook prep)

By age 10 and 12 I was totally responsible for dinner quite often....

[rob62521]

And, you might hit the library for cookbooks written specifically for kids and let them pick out something they might like.

Good for you, cschin! Some of my favorite memories are cooking with a dear friend of mine while I was growing up.

[zakity]

My guys started helping cut up strawberries and stirring things and such when they were little.

I have some little, cheap, half-dull paring knives that they use. The knives are great for cutting up strawberries. We would go and pick strawberries and then come home and cut them up. It was great for teaching them how to cut things up and how to use a knife.

We have a house rule that they have to be tall enough to reach the back of the stove (the knobs are back there) without standing on anything to use the stove. So far, the oldest is the only one tall enough. We also have that rule because the grease pops them in the face if they are too short. The twins do use the electric griddle to cook things like fried eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches though.

[disneysteve]

There are plenty of good cookbooks geared for kids.

Also, no matter what you are making, have a kid help you with preparation. I think basic kitchen skills are almost more important than the actual cooking. How to handle a knife. How to use the stove and oven and microwave. How to peel a potato. How to clean a mushroom. Stuff like that.

zakity - Keep in mind that it is much easier to get hurt with a dull knife than a good sharp one. Dull knives slip off the food easier and also require more force to be applied to get the job done.

[zakity]

zakity - Keep in mind that it is much easier to get hurt with a dull knife than a good sharp one. Dull knives slip off the food easier and also require more force to be applied to get the job done.

Yeah, but they are cutting strawberries with them. It takes little to no effort to cut one up. They were like 7, 5, and 5 when they started cutting strawberries. It was a great way for them to learn how to cut and hit what they were aiming at and stuff. And, we didn't have any cut fingers because a strawberry has a different than a finger.

We still have those knives, but they are mainly used for slicing up black olives, and soft foods like that. I keep thinking I am going to pitch them, but I keep using them (we go through a lot of black olives).

[SnoopyCool]

I like to bake, so I have my kids help measure and stir (they're 6, 5, 2.5). Measuring is a great way to teach fractions!

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by SnoopyCool

I like to bake, so I have my kids help measure and stir (they're 6, 5, 2.5). Measuring is a great way to teach fractions!

True! Fractions, measurement and sequencing are all taught in baking. Good skills for life as well as school.

[momof1in150]

Pampered Chef makes a great knife that is safe for kids and cuts most items they would cut.

Rachael Ray has a good cookbook for kids. It is broken down by ages. My son likes to pick a recipe, help shop for ingredients, make the meal and help with the clean up. It is a great teaching tool and covers all the subjects at school - math, reading & science. You can add a history lesson if it is a family recipe.

My son's school just did a family cookbook for a fundraiser so that is the current cookbook he likes to use.

I would do one at a time and keep it simple at first. Everybody should know how to do the basics - make eggs several ways, other breakfast items and build up. Maybe start with breakfast on a Saturday when you aren't tired.

[mishi07]

a friend of mine bought her 3 girls a full baking set and every weekend they spend the day making cakes and cookies which serves as their snacks for the whole week. It makes quality time for the sisters and have them more involved in the kitchen.