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How to Teach Your Children to Cook
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!
1howto.com
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