If you're ready to teach your children how to cook, here are
some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them
skills that will last them a lifetime!
First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a
stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to cook.
Start younger children off by letting them help set and clear
the table, gathering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or adding
ingredients.
Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharp
instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Some
parents start teaching their children to cook by showing them
how to make things that don't require cooking first, and then
graduating to letting them make food in the microwave.
Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kids
to cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning to
cook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few dishes.
It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not drudgery,
although there are certain responsibilities that go along with
the privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along, and leaving
the kitchen clean when you're finished.
Start with the basics. Show your kids what the different
utensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach them
about herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients for the
right dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions and
chemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're learning
while they're having fun!
Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks for
kids on the market today, that include step-by-step instructions
and pictures so kids can see what something's supposed to look
like while they're assembling the recipe...let success build on
success.
Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook more
complicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning -- and
cooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan the
meal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them to
realize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.
As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods from
different cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes or
Italian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids will
develop an appreciation for many different kinds of food.
Especially for younger children, having tools that are their own
size not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for them
to participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at many
department or specialty stores.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize it
now, but you're making memories that someday will be as
delicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're baking
now!
About the author:
Author: Michael Colucci
For free recipes please visit
Daily Recipes or
www.dailyrecipes.net
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