X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

5 ways to give your kids cooking skills: how to teach children how to cook

4 min read

For plenty of parents, the kitchen is a sacred place that they’re hesitant to relinquish control of. Just the thought of having kids puttering about the place, wielding sharp knives and working with open flames, is enough to send a shudder down their spines.

However, parents must remember that it is their responsibility to teach their kids important life skills, and teaching them how to feed themselves definitely falls under that umbrella. So why not start them young? When they’re older and cooking delicious meals for you, you’ll be thankful for it.

Here’s how to get your kids started in the kitchen—you can get them started as early as 2! This guide is separated by age groups, but really, it’s up to you to gauge what your child is ready for. Some kids are more focused than others, so remember not to rush things and know when you should trust them and let go.

1. Get them comfortable with the kitchen. (2-3 years old)

With your younger kids, you’ll need to supervise them extra close. Just to get them acquainted with the kitchen, can give them small tasks like setting the table (with non-breakable plates), gentle stirring, squeezing lemons, and so forth.

kids cooking

Photo: Pixabay

2. Start small. (4-5 years old)

By this age they should be able to prepare simple meals, like making their own cereal or putting together a simple sandwich. Teach them how to pour milk from the carton or juice from the pitcher (after ensuring that it’s not too heavy, of course). If spills happen, it’s alright, that happens. Let them help with the clean-up too.

For more tips, click to the next page.

3. Build skills up gradually. (6-7 years old)

At this stage, their fine motor skills should be quite developed, so you can teach your kids how to safely use a knife. You can start with softer foods like bananas and avocados then work your way up to potatoes, onions, and cucumbers. You can also ask them to help you peel potatoes with a peeler, decorate and plate dishes, and grate cheese.

kids cooking

4. Emphasize safety. (8-9 years old)

When you think your kids are ready to start working at the stove, be sure to supervise them closely, and teach them about all the hazards. If you feel that they’re not quite ready, you can start with working with a toaster oven. Older kids can also help you out in the kitchen by reading recipes as you prepare your meals.

For more tips, click to the next page.

5. Let go. (10-12 years old)

Once your child has learned basic kitchen skills and are confident with their capabilities, you can let them prepare meals on their own. Encourage them by letting them choose the meals they want to prepare, but ask them to prepare healthy and practical meals as well. You can supervise from a distance, so you can remind them about certain rules, like washing their hands after handling chicken.

kids cooking

**Remember: relax and keep things light.**

Yes, the kitchen is full of potential dangers. Sharp tools! Hot stoves! How on earth can anyone relax? Stay alert and supervise them closely, but don’t make them feel anxious or they’ll get discouraged. It’s best not to teach them when you’re in a rush to get a meal on the table, so opt for weekends or when you have a lot of time on your hands, so you’re more relaxed. If you don’t feel like you’re in a “teaching” mood, it’s best to wait until you are, and avoid hurting any feelings. Don’t forget to smile!

Partner Stories
Sabaw recipe: 7 Pinoy comfort food for the family during rainy days
Sabaw recipe: 7 Pinoy comfort food for the family during rainy days
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
These 5 Easy Holiday Recipes Will Make the Christmas Filling At Home Extra Special
These 5 Easy Holiday Recipes Will Make the Christmas Filling At Home Extra Special
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata

READ: 10 smoothie bowl recipes you and your kids will love

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Cristina Morales

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • 5 ways to give your kids cooking skills: how to teach children how to cook
Share:
  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • Avocado recipe for babies and the benefits of Avocado for infants

    Avocado recipe for babies and the benefits of Avocado for infants

  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • Avocado recipe for babies and the benefits of Avocado for infants

    Avocado recipe for babies and the benefits of Avocado for infants

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.