Then Comes Kids: A Very “Pampered” Chef

{Grade A Wooden Eggs} via Land of Nod

1. SAFETY FIRST – Teach your child what each appliance and utensil in the kitchen is for. Point out the benefits and dangers of using them. For example, (a) a stove is used to cook food, but can also burn skin (“Be careful!); (b) a refrigerator is used to keep food cold, but is not meant to be a hiding place (“Don’t climb into it!). Explain the purpose of each utensil and show them how to use each one. Make sure they learn to use hand sanitizer when working with raw meat and dairy and understand how to avoid contaminating cooked food with utensils that handled raw meats or fish.

2. FAVORITES FIRST – Pick a dish that they really like that you can make together. Most children will be inclined to make something sweet, but I recommend that you start with a small meal. It could be something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich. Make sure your child is perched high enough to see what you are doing and to help with the food preparation and cooking. The Kitchen Helper is a practical and safe choice.
3. OFF TO THE MARKET - Educate your child about food. Take them to the market and explain the various items. Purchase a few of spices and some produce on each grocery shopping trip. Let them feel, smell, and taste each one and write down the experience. This step will be invaluable in developing their palate and understanding of ingredients, including how to select them.
4. RECIPE BOOK – Take pictures of what your child makes and let them add it to their own recipe book. You can use a scrapbook or create a digital catalog online. Let the child write the recipe as they remember it and then give them help after they have wrote it themselves. This is a great way for them to take ownership of what they have learned as well as improve their math, reading and science skills.
5. CLEAN UP - A big part of cooking is cleaning up. Teach them how to use the dishwasher. That instruction should include loading the dishes, putting in the soap, setting the timer, and putting dishes away. Have your child wipe the counters down (with non-toxic cleaners, of course!) and mop the floor.  This training will teach your child how to manage a kitchen. A great way to make these tasks fun is to play some of their favorite kiddie tunes. I have learned, even as an adult, that singing and dancing can make any chore more enjoyable.

Remember, it will take time and maturity for your child to really become a master in the kitchen. Until then, let them practice often with their own kitchen set. This will make them more confident as they grow to become masters of their kitchens.