Just one more thing your kids are pretty unlikely to get in school: cooking class. That means it’s up to you to teach them at home.
Fortunately, most kids love food. My three-year-old is all too eager to help out in the kitchen. About six months ago, I got tired of having him under foot and decided to put him to some useful work.
Skills he now has:
- Operating our rice cooker. I still help with the measuring, but he does the rest and it gives us a chance to talk fractions and proportions.
- Cutting cheese. We have a plastic-bladed cheese knife, a real adult kitchen tool with which it is virtually impossible to injure someone. Perfect practice for little hands.
- Whisking/stirring anything (with minimal splashing).
- Spreading peanut butter on bread, graham crackers, apples, etc. Yes, we eat peanut butter on everything.
- All the mixing, scooping, and pouring involved in making cupcakes, which were his big project for his birthday party. He was also in charge of the sprinkles.
- And his favorite: topping pizzas. He only eats the cheese and pepperoni, but he’ll put anything on there.
Next up, making hummus in the mini-chopper. We may also get into some chocolate chip cookies with the stand mixer some day soon.
What are your kids up to in the kitchen?
Cooking with Kids
Love the post. I am a HUGE proponent of kids in the kitchen for so many reasons.
Thank you! Something they enjoy that teaches them practical skills while allowing them to serve the whole family! What’s not to love?? What do your kids like to cook?
I have a baker and salad dressing makers. Everyone cooks their own breakfast in the mornings. Such important skills in all levels