{"id":179090,"date":"2018-08-29T03:27:25","date_gmt":"2018-08-29T07:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=179090"},"modified":"2018-08-29T03:27:25","modified_gmt":"2018-08-29T07:27:25","slug":"kids-start-helping-kitchen-now-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2018\/08\/29\/kids-start-helping-kitchen-now-good\/","title":{"rendered":"When should kids start helping in the kitchen? Now is good."},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
\u201cWhen is a good time to have your kids start helping in the kitchen?\u201d Answer: Now! (File Photo<\/a>: Penn State\/Flickr<\/a>, CC BY-NC 2.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the author of family-oriented cookbooks, I am often asked these two questions:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is a good time to have your kids start helping in the kitchen?\u201d Answer: Now!<\/p>\n

And, \u201cWhich tasks can kids do at what ages?\u201d Answer: Depends on your kid.<\/p>\n

Some 7-year-olds are ready to use a sharp knife, while a 12-year-old who has never entered the kitchen except to ask for a glass of juice might be challenged by just rinsing some fruit. Yes, I know some children have been watching \u201cTop Chef\u201d since they opened their eyes, and are already busy flambeing something; if you are the parent of such a child, then just enjoy your souffle. You do not need to read on.<\/p>\n

Here are some VERY rough age ranges for when you might think about introducing certain kitchen skills to your kid.<\/p>\n

Only you know your child’s ability and level of responsibility. And until you are sure that he or she is adept at an assignment, supervise, supervise, supervise.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Ages 2-5:<\/p>\n

Pour, dump, stir, sprinkle. Pick herbs off stems. Spread and brush things, rinse produce, juice citrus. Tear lettuce. Grease pans and decorate cookies.<\/p>\n

Help get out the equipment \u2014 spoons, measuring cups, bowls (nothing heavy or sharp).<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Ages 5-7:<\/p>\n

More of the above, with less assistance from you. They might be able to start cutting very soft items with a kid-safe, plastic serrated knife. There are some good ones on the market made just for this purpose, sharp enough to cut food, gentle enough not to cut little fingers.<\/p>\n

Use the electric mixer to mix batters. Knead bread. Crack eggs (get the towels ready). Roll dough. Cut out cookies.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Ages 7-9:<\/p>\n

Even more of the above, plus measuring, frosting, decorating. Also, unmoulding cakes and muffins, grating cheeses, skewering kebabs.<\/p>\n

Talk about some math concepts, like fractions and multiplication, while you are measuring. Have them help read the recipe, and clarify any terms that are unfamiliar.<\/p>\n

Consider the chemistry involved in cooking and baking, and if you’re not up to speed yourself, let your kid take the lead in looking it up online or in a book. What happens when baking soda is added to a recipe? What is the difference between unsweetened chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate?<\/p>\n

Children this age also can take part in food presentation, thinking about how things look on the plate and how to make them as appealing as possible.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Ages 9-12:<\/p>\n

At this point, kids might be ready to start using a real knife (begin with very soft foods, like butter or a banana, since the knife is less likely to slip).<\/p>\n

They might also be ready to get in front of a stove. Height is a factor: If your child stands on a step stool near a stove, make very sure it’s secure. Show children how to position the handle of a pan away from them so they won’t bump it, and to never look away from what they are doing.<\/p>\n

Let them take the lead on a recipe, with you playing sous chef. They can think about the order of steps, and how long the preparation will take.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Remember, it’s never too early to get kids interested in cooking.<\/p>\n

When my children were toddlers, I let them sort pasta shapes into a muffin tin. Useful? Nah. But it got them in the kitchen, in the midst of the hustle bustle of preparing dinner, and made them feel part of the action.<\/p>\n

Everyone can smell, touch, taste.<\/p>\n

And, no matter what age children are, once they can participate even a bit, involve them in two things:<\/p>\n

First, let them taste the food, and ask their opinion \u2014 does it need more salt? Should we add something different? Should the mashed potatoes be smooth or a little lumpy?<\/p>\n

Second, enlist their help cleaning up, even if the most they can contribute is clearing their own plates and pushing the \u201cstart\u201d button on the dishwasher. Lending a hand when it’s time to clean up is part of the deal, and the earlier that is understood, the happier you’ll be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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