Kids and Cooking

I believe that as long as you can make it fun and really make them feel like they have a big part in it, then they will be interested.

You should let Nature takes its course. I learned to love cooking after endless hours watching my Mom, Dad, Grandma & Grandpa at the stove over countless years. I was always "naturally" interested in food!! If I had been forced to "cook", I probably would have spent half my income on fast-foods & take-out!! I am now 64 years old & look forward to my days of "creating luscious meals", not because of being forced, but because I have a loving fondness for food!! I come by it naturally.

If they're really interested in watching Mommy or Daddy cooking, you'll soon know it. I don't care what ANYBODY tells you, whether they cook for a living, are great chefs, or just like to putz around the kitchen ..... watch them and let them grow and appreciate "good cooking" and great food. If you don't like asparagus, no one is going to help you like it!! .... PERIOD!!!

If you force anyone to do something, they'll soon learn to hate it. Let them explore their own likes & dislikes.

That depends on the age of the child some older children like different things then the younger to. I would suggest the for a small child you make some cookies, or something they like maybe macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs. Let the child decorate the plate like a face, and the same with cookies. make cooking fun.

I started them early, at about three or four. I would sit them on the counter and I would measure out things and let them put it into the bowl. After it was mixed I would make the balls of cookie dough and let them roll them in sugar. Licking the fingers is part of the reward. After they are cooled they get to eat the fruits of their labor.