Kids in the kitchen

Getting kids to have an interest in food (and eating) can be one of the great challenges of parenting. A great way to start is by involving your children in cooking family meals, weekend treats or even dishes for special occasions. Follow our simple tips on how to be prepared, what to cook and the best tools to use when cooking with kids.

1. Be prepared

• Cookbooks that have step by step illustrations are a great ides, helping even young kids to develop their ability to follow sequences
• Involve children in all aspects of cooking: let them choose or create recipes, make their own menus, set the table and help clear the table after a meal
• Cooking is messy - even for grown-ups. Spills will happen and this is a good way to teach kids that cleaning up is an important part of the cooking process. But do make sure you have plenty of cloths, kitchen towel, brooms etc at the ready!

2. What to cook

• Simple tasks are best for very young kids, like pouring ingredients into a bowl and mixing them, throwing together salad ingredients, icing biscuits or decorating cup cakes
• For older children, start with easy recipes like muffins, smoothies, dips and burger patties

3. The best tools for the job

• Stock up on bright, fun aprons and personalise them for each child. Find fun cooking tools designed for little hands such as rolling pins and wooden spoons
• Remember safety at all times. Hot ovens and stoves, sharp utensils and knives are all hazardous around young children. Wooden or plastic mixing bowls and measuring cups are also a better option than ceramics and glass. Unplug mixers and appliances as soon as you are finished with them
• Praise is always important. Thank the children for their help and they will be more inclined to lend a hand next time!

With a bit of careful planning and preparation the kitchen can be a great place to explore and create for even the tiniest Nigella's or Jamie's!

Click here for our favourite Freckles recipes