When our own children are small, we are so caught up in raising them that some of those "together times" get lost. Teaching our grandchildren about cooking brings us a closeness with them in many ways. Not only can we teach them to cook safely, it is a golden opportunity to teach them about nutrition, cost of food, handling kitchen appliances and it gives them a confidence in knowing that they have created something that others appreciate. Even very small children can learn to make very simple no-cook foods.

The most important thing we can teach them first is safety in the kitchen. Also, each child is different. You must make it very clear to them each time that they are only to cook under your supervision. As the child grows, you will know when you can feel that they are ready to do some things in the kitchen on their own. In this article, I will be focusing on the younger children and things they are capable of doing. Just remember to always make it interesting and fun. Encourage and shower praises on their finished product and they will want a "next time" with you.

I have put some reading material and links for you. Just click on the blue line and it will take you to the some interesting material.

Safety in the kitchen must be the first lesson.  Start with the obvious which is what they can use and what they can't when they are in your kitchen. They need to understand that this also applies when they are at home or at a friend's house. Explain that there must always be an older person supervising when they are working around anything that is in the kitchen. I found it worked better to let them see the steam from hot water, know that flames burn, knives will even cut through paper and ovens are for baking. Each time they are working with you, mention the dangers because children have a short or selective memory. 

Wash Your Hands!! This is a perfect time to talk about how germs are on un-washed hands and can transfer to food. They need to learn how handling different foods requires different tools.

This is when I introduce tools that they can use and the ones they are allowed to handle. This is the part they love. I have started the youngest ones with chocolate or vanilla pudding. When they are about 4 or 7 they can understand this and use instant so there will be no cooking with heat. Have them to read as many words as they can and you can show them on measuring cups which size to use. I found that using plastic was much easier for the little ones to handle. Let them use your Pyrex measuring cup under your supervision. Point to the recipe and if it says, use 1/2 cup, pour water into the measuring cup and show them how the numbers match. Think how much they are learning. Use this technique with measuring spoons. It may be messy but let them pour it into the cups. They love to serve desert after dinner. Other simple desert ideas are good at this age. Teach them to make an attractive presentation. They understand when something is pretty. Fruit shortcakes are wonderful and Kool-Whip will take over your kitchen but their are some great nutrition lessons here. Appetizers made with veggies and your peeler really does appeal to them and to see their faces when they serve them, makes the time it takes worthwhile. At the age of 8-9 they should be able to start molding cookies, reading a more difficult recipe, decorating cookies and lots of other fun things you can do without heat.

When they are about 10 they can start to handle more difficult recipes. I started with soup in the microwave which was a lesson in how how dishes and microwaves become. Bagged popcorn made for the family teaches them to open (with your supervision) the bags with the steam away from them. They can prepare frozen dinners at this age. They can be taught how to use a toaster for those treats they enjoy for breakfast.You must continue to talk about safety with each new step you let them take. In all of this, give them a purpose for learning these lessons. When they visit with you, let them help make their school lunches and their snacks. They should have been taught by this time to use a small knife correctly.

At about 10, you can start with the stove. This is where you have to watch them so carefully. We started with deviled eggs since they loved them and also they had a number of ingredients that they could use. At this age, I still did not let them pour the boiling water out, but, they learned to cool and peel eggs the correct way and start making things by following a slightly more difficult recipe. They must still have supervision.

When they are about 12-14 they are ready to go to larger projects. At this age they should be capable of helping in all areas of the kitchen. How well they do depends on how well they have been taught. Under your supervision, watch them put in and take things out of the oven and you will know when they are ready to cook on their own. You also have to judge by the child and how responsible they are. Always let their parents know what you have been teaching them so they can follow up at home.

 As they grow, you will watch them mature into fine young ladies and men. Let's face it. Cooking is with us for the rest of their lives. When I am helping the children prepare food I wonder if, as they grow older, will they remember their time with me, and I know they will. I still make the foods my grandmother taught me how to fix. Love this time with them.