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Cooking with Kids

ByJenn Giam Smith
myself and my kids in the kitchen making cookies

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Cooking together with your children is a wonderful experience that I hope all parents will embrace. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just following the instructions on a boxed meal, you’re creating something truly special. Cooking involves gathering ingredients and following a recipe, which can be a fun and educational activity for kids.

I cherish the memories I made in the kitchen with my parents. Helping my dad in restaurants, especially after my brother was born, and baking cookies with my mom are some of my fondest recollections. Although my mom might not think she’s a great cook—she makes amazing French toast and grilled cheese—those kitchen moments were crucial in shaping who I am today. Thanks to these experiences, I can now share my knowledge and experiment in my own kitchen. My oldest child can prepare everything from fried chicken to breakfast sandwiches, my son makes brownies that surpass mine, and my three youngest are always eager to help. My two oldest often say that some of their favorite memories are created right in the kitchen.

Ideas

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Here are essential tips to use before you even get started cooking to ensure that cooking with kids is not only enjoyable but also a rewarding experience:

  • Prepare everything in advance! This is known as Mise en Place, which means “putting in place.” It can be incredibly helpful, especially with little ones. Involve them in gathering all the ingredients and tools before you start.
  • Assign tasks that your kids can manage. You know them best, so choose jobs that align with their skills and interests!
  • Remember, patience is essential! This can be the most challenging part, but with a little planning, realistic expectations, and the acceptance that things might get messy, you’ll have a wonderful time together in the kitchen.

LET’S GET COOKING

Now that you’re ready to whip up some deliciousness, here are some ideas for tasks you can assign to the little ones:

DISCLOSURE: Please remember that the following tips are general and intended to be viewed as suggestions or ideas. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique, even within my family of five. If you believe your child needs more or less assistance, follow what you and your child feel comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.

  1. When frying anything, they can help with the flouring (this is especially great for much younger kids, if you’re OK with a mess).
  2. Flipping food with a spatula
  3. Whipping up eggs for scrambled eggs
  4. Measuring, adding, and/or sifting ingredients
    • For younger kids, you can measure them, and then they add it.
    • For older kids, have them read the recipe and measure, and you double-check before they add it).
  5. Mixing everything together
    • By hand, it might be messy, and there maybe clumps. But it’ll be fine. I promise.
    • For a handheld mixer, depending on your child, then can hold and handle the mixing. Just watch to make sure things like, cakes, don’t get over-mixed.
    • For a stand mixer
      • younger children can turn on the machine but really watch them. The last thing you want are those little hands holding the wrong thing when it gets turned on.
      • Older kids can measure ingredients in AND mix. But of course, supervision is still a good idea, especially if they have never used one.
  6. Scooping and dropping cookies, even if you’re using a spoon you can help the younger ones with the portion size.
  7. Pushing the button when you have to use a food processor, blender or anything else with an on/off “switch”. Who’s tiny ones don’t love pushing buttons?
    • Just make sure they understand:
      1. It’s not a toy, it’s still a machine that can be dangerous if not used properly.
      2. When to start so you don’t end up with food all over your walls.
  8. Filling a pot with water. Depending on the size of the pot and the strength of the child.
    • For younger children, I sometimes allow them to use a kitchen stool to reach the faucet and turn on the water. Once the pot is full, I will move the pot into place for them.
  9. Rinsing the veggies/fruit/berries. Don’t forget the veggie scrubber for root veg.
  10. Making and mixing the marinade for meats.
  11. Pouring the marinade in the bag/bowl over the meat
  12. Put a rub and bread crumbs in a bag with pork chops and shake it up. For those who remember this commercial… It’s shake and bake 😉

SHOP THE POST

Embrace the idea of bringing everything you need into the kitchen. It may seem tempting to keep things out of reach, but I’ve discovered that having them right there allows for a smoother cooking experience. When all your tools and ingredients are within arm’s reach, you can focus better on your culinary creations. 

Involving your children in the cooking process can be transformative. It not only fosters a sense of teamwork but also encourages them to explore and enjoy new foods. My youngest, the pickiest eater of all, has surprised me; when she gets hands-on in the kitchen, she’s much more willing to try and appreciate what we create together.

MAKE IT CUSTOM ON ETSY

RECIPES TO GET YOU STARTED

Unsure about which recipe to dive into? Worry not! On my site, you’ll find that every recipe blog post includes a “COOKING WITH KIDS” section, packed with ideas and tips to help your little chefs get involved and spark their culinary enthusiasm.

To kick things off and give you a little inspiration, here are my kids’ absolute favorites to make/cook!

DID YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL?

Please take a moment to leave a comment. Share what you do to have your kids in the kitchen, If you share a picture on Instagram don’t forget to tag me @jenngiamsmith! I always share your posts on my story and tag you!

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©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith owner of Jenn Giam Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC

My name is Jenn, I'm wife to a true blue Wisconsin Man and mom of 5. I'm here sharing my passion for food, craft, family, & life (especially my love of Wisconsin)! I grew up in a food-oriented family. Most of my recipes are a mix of fun and easy (sometimes fast), and when I can... I add a bit of my family's Chinese-American-European roots.

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