The kitchen is the perfect place to teach your child about many safety issues. They can learn the proper use of a knife, as well as how to safely handle anything hot. You might also explain how to use electric appliances and allow the kids to handle these “dangerous” things in a controlled environment. You should of course choose age appropriate tasks for your child. A toddler or preschooler for example can handle a butter knife to spread or “cut” soft items under supervision. You can also teach the concept of “hot” with some very warm pots, bowls or water that’s not hot enough to do any damage to your child.

Of course cooking also requires a certain amount of hygiene. Start by teaching your child to always wash hand before handling food. As the two of you cook together, you will come across other situations, like liking a spoon or handling raw meat or eggs that will bring up the subject. Explain to your child why it is not ok to lick a spoon and put it back or why we have to be so careful when dealing with raw eggs (to avoid getting sick). Before you know it your child will be a food safety expert.

Teach Responsibility, Patience and Sharing

Cooking also presents the perfect opportunity to teach your child about responsibility, patience and sharing. Let’s take a look at each. As you bake cookies with the kids, or cook spaghetti and meatballs, have them help you clean up as you cook and afterwards. Make certain tasks their responsibility like drying the dishes or setting the table. Of course cooking also often requires a good bit of patience as you wait for the cookies to finish baking, or the pasta to boil until it’s done. To teach sharing, have the kids take turn stirring the pot and don’t forget to share what you made with family and friends. Setting a good example with any of these concepts is often the best way to teach your kids about them.

Building Self Esteem

Did you know you can improve your child’s self esteem in the kitchen? Help your child cook a meal or bake a cake for Grandma or Daddy and then give him plenty of opportunity to show off his masterpiece. There’s just nothing better than being able to eat (and share) what you just created. Generally the positive comments will quickly flow!  It’s sure to give your child’s self esteem a big boost.

Learning Lifelong Skills

Cooking, cleaning and safe handling of food are skills that your child will use throughout his life. I’m sure as a good parent, you don’t want to send your child off without having a good grasp on all of these skills. Starting to teach them while your child is still young is a great way to get a head start, and both of you will have a lot of fun exploring the wide world of food together. Give it a try!

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