How to Teach Kids to Cook

How to Teach Kids to Cook

As my kids get older, they’re starting to express more interest in learning to cook. Honestly, though, I was kind of lost as to how to start teaching them.

My mom didn’t really teach me to cook and I didn’t learn how to do it for myself until after I was married. So I had no idea what to teach the kids about cooking, when to teach it, or how to go about it. Needless to say, our first few experiences in the kitchen were rather bumpy.

Now, though, they’re more comfortable and they’ve become extremely helpful in the kitchen. If you’re ready to teach your kids to cook, here’s how to get started!

How to Teach Kids to Cook

Find a great children’s cookbook.

If you absolutely don’t know where to start teaching your kids to cook, there are some excellent children’s cookbooks available these days. Personally, I didn’t learn to cook at home, so it was hard for me to know which recipes were easy enough for my kids to learn and which were a little too complex. And that’s where cookbooks for kids are a big help. 

For some great children’s cookbook selections, check out this roundup of fun children’s cookbooks over at Look! We’re Learning!

Let your child choose the recipe.

Everyone (kids included) does better at something they’re interested in doing. So if you want your kids to get excited about cooking, let them look through a few of those kids’ cookbooks and choose a recipe they actually want to make. I can almost guarantee they’ll skip to the dessert section. :)

Have fun!

Most of all, have fun! No one likes to learn something new while under pressure, so make sure your kids feel free to enjoy learning to cook. Pick a day when you don’t have to rush out of the house for something and spend an afternoon reading the steps, making the recipe, and enjoying the finished meal together. That way, everyone will enjoy it, your kids will build confidence in cooking, and you’ll be one step closer to retiring from the kitchen!

Don’t know where to start?

Check out these easy and find holiday recipes. To see the complete list of our recipes see our Recipe Index

Holiday Treats

Have you successfully taught your kids to cook? How did you do it? Share your secrets in the comments!

 

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