KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

tomato
Long before they can read children want to do things with you in the kitchen.
Keep pots and pans handy that are unbreakable.
Use big wooden spoons so they can stir for you.
"Translate" the written words of a simple recipe into simple pictures.
Let your child draw the pictures (and you can label them).

Remember: Cooking is a creative and necessary outlet for children, spills and all the "mess".
It is good for their self-esteem.

Find some easy recipes that your child can make with little or no help:

easy to spread sandwich filling

Ants on a Log: spread peanut butter on a banana and add raisins

Apple Goodie or Easy Cookies

More places to look for recipes at the bottom of this page.

Help your child make his or her very own cookbook.

Use one sheet of plain paper for each recipe.

Fasten all pages together with O-rings or put into binder.

Cover pages with clear contact paper or put pages into a magnetic photo album for durability.

List ingredients, utensils, and directions with simple line drawings. Have the child do this, if possible.

Print the word or process in lower case letters next to the drawing.

Have your child draw 2 eggs, for example, and print "2 eggs" next to it.

Be sure to use colors, it helps with identification.

Discuss the use of symbols with your child (older children can be helpful here).

You might want to list utensils first, then ingredients.

Give directions in sequence, but don't number them. That can be confusing.

Be specific. (Wash the carrot first, use the blue bowl).

Be sure to let the child personalize his or her own cookbook (name and picture).

Caution: Don't be tempted to draw the recipe, all nice and neat to present to the child for a cooking session. This robs the child of half the fun. Let them participate as much as their age allows. Start with one recipe if the child is young and add to their cookbook as they grow!

The idea for this page came from an article in the BALTIMORE SUN, January 15, 1986, and has been used as part of several parenting sessions.

Other fun things for kids to do:

Take a Field Trip to an old Pretzel Bakery, and do the twist!

Have fun with Bobby Banana and his friends (songs and coloring pages and more)...

CSPI (SmartMouth.com) has recipes and other good information...

Try Anna Banana Muffins and other recipes...

Some more Kid's Recipes to try...

Have fun searching for recipes: try "Google.com" and search for "kids recipes." Be aware that some recipes may not be very nutritious, and should not be eaten as often as those recipes containing ingredients that are needed to grow big and strong.

© 1998 JKH

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