Simple Tips To Have Fun Cooking with Your Children and without Complications

The kitchen is the central spot in your home and the place where everyone gathers, especially when you’re cooking.

If you want to share some time with your children while they help you cook, make sure to follow these basic safety guidelines. That way, you'll all feel more at ease when preparing dishes and you'll be able to enjoy the pleasure of family cooking.

1. Before you start cooking, make a habit out of washing your hands and drying them well.

2. Use an apron to avoid damaging or soiling your clothes.

3. Show your kids all the appliances and utensils that can reach high temperatures while cooking and that must not be touched.

4. Gather all the necessary ingredients and place them on the table. Ask your kids to help you read the recipe out loud to make sure nothing is missing.

5. Assign tasks among your kids according to age. Give the youngest ones duties like measuring and mixing. For example, ask them to mix the ingredients of the Rice & Bean Salad With Olives once they are cooked.

6. Consider some extra cooking time, especially if you have small children, since they’ll take longer to complete their tasks.

7. Explain to your children each step of what you’ll be preparing and share what you know about the ingredients, so that they understand what they are doing and why.

8. Keep a moist cloth handy to clean spills, especially if you’re preparing a dish such as Lamb Albondiga Soup, since a small amount may spill as you serve each portion.

9. Take turns cleaning. If your kids are older, place a chart on the fridge with their names assigned to each day of the week. This way they’ll learn that organization is also part of the cooking process.

With these simple steps you’re all ready to cook together. Let the fun begin!