Getting Your Kids Interested in Cooking

When my brother and I were growing up, our parents worked opposite shifts from each other. And, because they were usually very tired, we had to learn how to do some basic things by ourselves. This included cooking our own lunches so our mom (who worked nights) could get some rest.

My own two daughters have been fortunate enough not to have to experience that. However, I am a big believer in teaching my kids to be self sufficient and, as part of that, when I make lunch or dinner, I make sure they are in the kitchen with me. That way, when they are old enough to go out on their own, I'll feel comfortable about them making their own meals without setting their kitchen on fire.

Even though my daughters don't necessarily hate cooking, they are still young and it does take some effort to keep their interest when they would much rather play. But, I have found I can keep their attention using a couple different steps.

First, I found it was best to start them out with easy things. I have a microwave that can be programmed and started with just one button. So, whenever one of my daughters wants a hot dog or chicken nuggets, I have her put the food in the microwave and just tell her which button to push. Even my 2-year-old can do that. More importantly, both of them like the fact they don't need me to help them.

Another thing that is easy for them to make is pasta. I have to help with this a bit. But, I do let my oldest daughter put the pasta in the boiling water and stir it. It's easy, she gets to say she cooked their food and it's an opportunity for me to teach her how to be safe while using the stove.

When it comes to more complex food items, I make sure my kids each have a job. Sometimes it's washing vegetables or using the microwave to thaw a pack of meat. Or I'll have my oldest daughter measure out milk and other ingredients while my 2-year-old is in charge of pouring them into the bowl or pot. This allows them to be part of the process while still keeping it simple so they don't get bored.

Last, I make sure they have a say in the menu. I don't do this all the time. But, once a week, I do let them pick out what they want to make by handing them some cookbooks (my wife has a ton of them) and letting them pick out something that looks interesting.

When I first started doing this, I figured they would pick out your typical kid-friendly foods. But, to my surprise, they do pick out dinners that my wife and I would be interested in eating too. And, the fact they picked it out does make them more enthused about helping me, even if they end up having to wash the dishes.

All kids, male or female, should know how to cook. If you follow these steps, you can get them started at a young age.