Cooking is a great way to introduce your child to the concept of measurement and combining ingredients to complete a recipe. Following a recipe can teach them how to follow directions and to complete a task step-by-step. It can also teach them self-confidence and pride in their ability to learn and carry out a task successfully.

It is very important to teach your children what can and cannot hurt them in the kitchen. Teach them that dangerous objects, like knives or the stove, are only for grownups to use. It’s best to choose recipes that do not involve the stove or oven.  There are a lot of great recipes like the ones below that require little or no use of the stove or oven. Also, teach them that refrigerated items must promptly be returned to the fridge so that they do not spoil. 

Make sure you child washes their hands to keep from spreading germs and tell them how important it is to have clean hands when handling food. Have them tie back long hair and roll up long sleeves. It’s best to have your child use a step-up stool to reach the counter, don’t let them stand on chairs or sit on the counter. Use plastic bowls and put out paper wax to prevent messes.

 
Involve your child by giving them an age appropriate task to help you complete the recipe. For younger children have them help stir ingredients or retrieve them from the fridge. For older children have them help measure and pour ingredients. Children of all ages love being taste testers!