COOKING WITH KIDS

Why should you cook with your kids?

• To build their language skills

• Build confidence

• Start healthy eating habits from a young age. These habits will be taken into adulthood

• Opportunity to create and express themselves

• They could find a love for cooking that creates self-identity

When can I start cooking with my kids?

As young as 3 years old! Here are some jobs that each age group can help within the kitchen:

3-5 years old:

• Stirring cake or biscuit batter

• Tearing lettuce or herbs

• Adding ingredients

• Putting toppings on a pizza

• Using cookie cutters

• Beating eggs

• Mashing potatoes

5-7 years old:

• Allow your child to use a small knife, while watching. Show them knife safety skills like claw grip to keep their fingers out of the way

• Grating foods like carrot and cheese (warn them to keep their fingers away!)

• Rubbing in flour with fingertips when making pastry or scones

8-11 years old

• Planning the family meals for the week

• Following a simple recipe

• Using the stovetop and oven

Tips for cooking with kids:

• Encourage your kids to taste ingredients while cooking. This will help them be more open to trying new foods or eating their veggies!

• Praise your child’s efforts. This will encourage them to keep on cooking with you and boost their confidence

• Make sure all hazards are away when cooking with young children. Pot handles are turned inwards, hot food or liquid is out of reach, nothing is on the floor. Make a space for them to cook at a kitchen table or bench.

• Small cuts with a knife are normal when cooking. Keep Band-Aids nearby, reflect on why the cut happened, and continue using a knife safely