Your kid loves cooking, here’s why that rocks!

Does your child pay rapt attention to cooking shows on TV and follow you around in the kitchen? You may be wondering what cooking activities are available for children of their age. One of the best things about getting kids into cooking is that they can begin to learn anytime. From toddler’s play kitchens to junior chefs, all children can begin to develop this practical, educational life skill.

Cooking Activities for Toddlers

One thing a toddler can do like no one else is mimic. “Monkey see, monkey do,” is more than just an old adage at this stage of your child’s development. Modeling the steps of preparing a recipe for them can help them to recreate these patterns in their play. Many parents try to provide their children with plastic or stuffed, “play food,” for just this reason. Toddlers may start out just throwing and chewing their play food like any other toy, but they are likely to become aware if you watch and engage them, of the object’s context in the world.

During this stage of development, your child may come to learn that food doesn’t appear out of thin air, it needs to be prepared. They may crudely imitate the steps in the food preparation process in their play. “Mud pies” made while playing outside, or model food made from play dough are examples of this type of play. Next time your toddler offers you a pie they made out of dirt, congratulate them, they’re already learning to cook!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to eat the dirt pie.

Cooking Activities for Kids

When your child is finally old enough to assist you in the kitchen, a whole new world of fun and learning possibilities opens up. Kids can begin to learn the safety protocols behind the proper use of kitchen utensils and appliances, with constant supervision, of course. Planning meals, learning to follow directions in sequence by watching you follow recipes, and taste-testing ingredients are all great cooking activities for kids who aren’t skilled enough or mature enough to handle kitchen implements. Learning about food safety is another great way for younger children to engage with cooking. As your child grows, begin introducing knife skills and safety, use of the blender, oven, food processor, and other tools, and more independence in their cooking. Be sure to do research on what the wisest time to introduce your child to these concepts might be.

Parent Resources for Teaching Kids to Cook

There’s an abundance of online cooking classes for kids of all ages if you wish to try a few lessons at home. You can start your child cooking at any age before deciding to sign them up for an age-appropriate cooking program [link to category:cooking] . There are a plethora of benefits of in-person cooking lessons for your child, including a feeling of mentorship, a sense of independent achievement, and the ability to converse and weigh opinions with peers on new topics. However, cooking together with your child in the home can enhance family ties and a feeling of being nurtured. Both are exceptional ways to foster your child’s learning and development!