How to get your kids involved in cooking - at any age!
Cooking is a fantastic way for kids to learn essential life skills, build confidence and develop a love for healthy eating.
Here are a few suggestions as to how you can get your children involved in cooking - no matter what age they are:
Ages 2-3
washing fruits and veggies
stirring ingredients
tearing lettuce
sprinkling toppings on salads or pizzas
Ages 4-7
chopping soft fruits with a butter knife
measuring ingredients
cracking eggs
mixing pancake batter
using cookie cutters
Ages 8-11
chopping vegetables with a small knife (under supervision)
peeling and grating carrots
following simple recipes
Ages 12+
planning menus and preparing full meals
packing their lunchbox for school
practicing advanced knife skills
exploring new cooking techniques
My kids occasionally pack their lunch boxes but most days I do it as I start work after they have gone to school and have a bit more time in the mornings. I also like to make sure they have a good balance of protein, fruit and vegetables - not just a lunchbox full of carbs!
Dinner time is when I find it good to have a bit of help, especially on work days. We have a system where the three kids and my husband take turns to cook a meal once a week. My youngest (14) needs a bit of help but the older two are very independent and I’m able to leave them to it - with the odd question about where to find ingredients or if I think something needs to be cooked a bit longer!
For older teens who enjoy scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, you can turn their social media time into a positive experience by encouraging them to recreate some of the viral food trends
Cooking with kids is often messy and a bit chaotic (well, at least it is in my house!) but it teaches vital life skills and provides opportunities for them to learn about different foods, improve their fine motor skills, learn basic maths and practice safe knife handling.
Most importantly, it encourages them to have a lifelong love of healthy, homemade food!