kitchen? If so what age did you let them, and were you ever afaid of them getting hurt (burned, cut ect) My mom never really liked us in the kitchen when we were kids because she always thought that we could get burned or would touch something accidentaly that would burn us ect. I then when I grew up had a lot of problems learning how to cook (much better now, but don't like it) But I did the same things with my kids uptil about 2 years ago, when I thought about it further. What is your take?
2009-03-10T05:32:34Z
My kids do help now, they even cook some .Like the oldest 17, she made us breakfast last weekend because it was her dad and my annsiverary. I just never let them cook when they were younger like under 13-14. I was always scared they get burnt or something would happen to them. I was asking so I could show them where I was wrong in my earlier decisons so that when they have kids someday that they don't repeat some misjudgements that I may have made so their kids would be able to have that enjoyed momment.
They have been allowed in the kitchen to do things when the stove wasn't on, or pots on the stove. They have helped with kitchen clean up ect. So this isn't about a responability aspect.
csscmom -- Mom of 42009-03-10T05:26:14Z
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I've had my kids cooking with me from about the age of 4. I'm talking about cooking dinners and using the stove, of course with my supervision only. My 6 yo daughter makes buttered noodles (including cooking and mixing the noodles on the stove), my 4 and 6 yo help make mashed potatoes. The 11 yo makes dinner by himself -- hamburger helper. The 9 yo makes the best meatballs in the house, even better than mine! All of the like to assist (and the older 2 can almost do it by themselves) in making chicken piccata.
As long as they are supervised I don't see a problem. However, some children may not listen to don't touch the stove, but mine never had that problem, since they've all been helping bake since they were 2!
I also want them all to be able to cook when they get older. My husband was never shown how to cook and, to this day, can't. He can do hamburger helper (but gets confused by 2 boxes) and he's been helping with the rice a roni and veggies, but that's about it.
If I have the time then I let my daughter help. I keep her away from the stove and she does little things like pouring the ingredients into the bowl after I measure them or stirring the mixes. She cleans the veggies under running water. She snapped the ends off the green beans the other night. She helps unload the dishwasher. Any little thing she can do to help is teaching her responsibility and when she gets a little older I'll let her do more. These are just a few of the things I let her do. Let the kids in the kitchen but just be smart about it. Good luck!
From the time my kid were sitting up they have been in the kitchen with me. I would put a towel in the sink and sit them in it while I worked on dinner, by the time they were 2 they were "scrambling" the eggs for me. Letting them grow up doing it and being involved has all three of them to the point they like to cook. My oldest is 16 no and a great cook. I just always told them don't touch this it is hot, here use this it isn't sharp etc. and was right there with them. Sure accidents can still happen but they can happen any where not just in the kitchen and it is a great way to spend time with the kids.
My girls have both helped in the kitchen since they were about 2. There is a lot they can learn without being around the stove. Measuring, picking out the veggies, cleaning the veggies. What I did was I used one side of my stove and my daughters got a pot on the other side. No flame on their side though. Water in a pot and spices you like (Cinnamon) makes a great air freshener. I used quite a bit though. They got to stir their own pot and it made them feel good about themselves. I now have an 11 year old who loves to cook. She is really good at it too. My 6 year old is getting pretty good as well. I don't believe that teaching your children the safe way to do something can ever be done too early.
I allow my 3 and 7 year old help me with things that don't involve the stove! Like making sugar cookies, and lasagna, etc. I have a rule in my house that the kids aren't allowed in the kitchen when mom is in there cooking with the stove on. My 7 year old can use the microwave, i will wait about 4 more years to allow her to cook eggs, and maybe french toast!