Do Your Kids Cook?

on February 2, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Don't be fooled: Just because I cook all the time now doesn't mean that this was always the case. In fact, you might say I was a late bloomer when it came to cooking. I remember the very first thing I learned how to cook...

I was 15 and as part of a high school breakfast fundraiser, I had to cook pancakes. Mountains and mountains of pancakes. At age 15, I had never used the stove or oven before. Our school cafeteria cook walked me through a step-by-step pancake tutorial, and luckily, I caught on real quick.

Lots of kids start cooking much, much earlier than I did. In fact, according to this Food & Drink poll, CafeMoms are cooking with kids as young as 6 years old! Toast seems to be the most popular thing to cook at this age, but other children are whipping up eggs, waffles, and even cabbage rolls! My 2-year-old cousin helps his mom make cookies...I'm telling you, these little budding chefs are putting my 15-year-old-self to shame!

Do you cook with your child? What do you make?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: cooking with kids, everyday celebrations, family meals, food, food safety, kid-friendly, trends

Comments (16)

ria7

on Feb 2, 2009 at 4:53 PM

My daughter helps me in the kitchen all the time. She knows how to turn the mixer on...she can crack an egg and she loves to put on a apron and stir everything with a wisk. She uuse way too many utensils, but she is in the kitchen alot with me. We had our family over the other day and she wanted to make them a dessert as soon as dinner was over. She put chocolate icing on vanilla wafer and topped it with a mini marshmallow to have mini smores. She is just turned 7 and has been on the counter cooking with me since she was old enough to sit there. I haven't let her use a sharp knife yet and she can't put or take stuff out of the oven...but no matter what I'm making I can usually find something for he to do. She loves to grate cheese too!

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MAyers

on Feb 2, 2009 at 5:03 PM

My 2 y/o loves to help me. She helps w/ everything, weither it be stir something or place something on the cookie sheets.

tracylynnr67

on Feb 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM

Mine have been helping me since they were 2-3 years old. By 6 they were allowed to use the microwave with me right there and at 8 they moved on to using the stove with me next to them. I have 4 sons and no one is ever going to tell them that their mom didn't prepare them for the world. They could all cook, clean and do laundry well by their 10th bdays.

dreaksgirl

on Feb 2, 2009 at 5:42 PM

My 2 yr old & 4 yr old help me make baked goods by adding and stirring the ingredients. As they get older they will be able to do more.

hallehazel

on Feb 2, 2009 at 6:30 PM

My daughters love cooking with me, I feel it's a great way of independence.I feel it's necessary for a child to grow knowing how to fin for them self .My mom had me cooking and making my own lunches for school by the time I could look over the counter. Doing my own laundry since I could see the button. My daughters love to bake. I always say you will be able to eat more meals with if you cook it then to go out and spends it so someone else can make it for you.

Taviesmommy

on Feb 2, 2009 at 6:44 PM

My DD is 3 and has "helped" me cook since she was old enough to sit beside me. She loves to pour the ingredients in the bowl and stir them up. Yes, it makes a mess, but she loves it and it's a lot of fun. I think it's a good thing to include children in the kitchen.

justanotherjen

on Feb 2, 2009 at 7:02 PM

I don't really cook with my kids...there are 4 of them and our kitchen is small. It just gets too crazy. But my older kids can get cereal, make toast, pop-tarts, toaster waffles and warm food in the microwave. They are 8, 7 and 6. They do it all on their own. I'm also teaching my 8yo how to make oatmeal in the microwave.

My 7yo son seems most interested in learning to actually cook but he's not careful enough around the stove yet and can't read so he mostly watches.

I learned to cook in the microwave when I was 9 and to cook on the stove at like 10/11.

momofteenageboy

on Feb 2, 2009 at 7:42 PM

Yes...I started my boys when they were little...they are now 18 & 16 and a lot of times my 16 year old will start dinner if I am running late...AJ

AidensMommy5

on Feb 2, 2009 at 8:11 PM

My 5 year old got a kids kitchen utensil set for Chirstmas & he loves it! I let him stir eggs, cake mix, ect & he really loves helping Mom out. And he even enjoys helping me pack his lunch for school (he likes to make his own sandwich).

travzmom

on Feb 2, 2009 at 11:34 PM

my almost 5yo son loves to help me in the kitchen. i let him control the microwave, mix things, i have even let him help me at the stove but have made it very clear that he is only allowed to do that with mommy's help. he makes eggs, toast, hot dogs, etc. usually very simple stuff. i was like you, i didn't learn to cook until i had to when i moved out on my own. i was in rough shape, i didn't cook, know how to do laundry, etc (very controlling stepfather, long story). i am determined that my son will know how to do things for himself!!!