How Much Do Your Kids Do in the Kitchen?

I was doing great for a while... my 5 and 7 year olds could make their own cold sandwiches, bowl of cereal, get their own beverage, etc... but ever since my son was born, I've TOTALLY slacked off. Thanks for getting my butt back in gear ;)

My kids were cooking their own eggs at 7 and 8, scrambled. Fried at 9. Mac and cheese, brownies froma box at 9.
I sit at the table and direct and let them do it. They have all sustained minor burns, but they have learned.
My 16 yo can do anything and doesn't even need a recipe now. My 13 yo can do anything easy with a recipe, my 10 yo is just starting to step up to the plate. He likes to make things just not cook them.
He can do cookies and brownies eggs and pancakes. One of the Cub Scout requirements is that he cook a meal and I take him to the store to get the ingredients to let him do it. He has done an Alfredo dish that is relatively easy and tacos.

Yes my kids help.
They help cook, and clean up after or after meals.

They also know how to cook.
My 4 year old, can cook his own eggs. From start to finish... getting the eggs from the fridge, getting a bowl, cracking the eggs into it, scrambling it, getting the fry pan out, putting it on the stove, turning it on, putting the eggs in, scrambling it as it cooks, turning off the stove when done. Putting it in his plate etc. Of course I supervise.
We also teach our kids /him safety in the kitchen. And about handling 'raw' meats etc.

My Daughter who is 8, can do things with the microwave, and make and bake her own Pillsbury Croissants. All by herself from start to finish, then feed it to herself.
Of course, I supervise. Its the oven.

They BOTH, know how to make their own sandwiches, from start to finish. And of course, cereal.

Or they help me make dinner. They cut up things, (with a butter knife), stir, mix ingredients, prep it, help me cook it and watch it.
They know how to turn off or on the stove and oven.
And how to work the timer.

I let them, help me cook all the time.
From when they were 3 years old. In a more literal way. Younger than that, it was just "play" cooking and observation or to keep them occupied while "I" cooked.

The past week, my daughter has been helping me make dinner, every night. From start to finish. Actual meals, we ate and that I planned per our menu.

My kiddo is 8 and makes her own oatmeal, sammiches and eggs. My five year old pours cereal ;) I try to cook with them a few times a week at a minimum. I don't looooove cooking but my daughter does, so I try very hard to make an effort. We LOVE this blog :http://www.cookingwithmykid.com/ for fun recipies and ways to do things. Abbie learns reading, math equations and chemistry all in the kitchen. Maybe I don't love to cook, but I love doing this with them :) If your kids love cooking, then yep, get them in the kitchen (and buy extra paper-towels ;)

My kids both help in the kitchen regularly. They help me make dinner three of more times a week. My kids are two and five. My two year old is still doing basic things, stirring, learning to use a dry measuring cup, counting, rolling out dough and learning kitchen safety. My five year old has moved on to reading a liquid measuring cup, some stove top cooking (with supervision) and some basic knife skills (children's chef knife with protective glove). They already have meals they make on their own. I am still supervising everything, but they run the show. The other day I grilled and chopped the chicken, but they made the rest of the caesar salad. There is a pasta dish they like to make...fresh basil, tomatoes, olives and little turkey meatballs with fresh mozarella balls. Pizza is always a big hit. Last month we did french bread pizza and my five year old prepared that himself for all of us. So we are well on our way to having the cooking down pat...just wish they were as good at cleaning up their mess. :)

It's funny you say this. I was just reading a book that says how important it is to teach your children confidence. And to do that, you teach them to do things - such as make scrambled eggs. She also stresses how important it is to allow them to make mistakes and learn from them, and to be encouraged to not be afraid of making mistakes (so, don't go in and force them to do everything correct - just show them how to do it, then let them try and copy...not getting after them if they mess up...they'll learn better if you let them mess it up and figure it out themselves).

Anyway, I've gone off topic...

She mentioned that even three year olds can scramble their own eggs. I've had my kids help cook in the past, but I hadn't approached it with quite the same goal (to help give them confidence, etc). I also hadn't had them make their own eggs. So, I took all three of my older ones (ages 8, 4, and 2...almost 3) and had them make their own eggs. It was entertaining! They got the eggs from the carton, cracked them (that was funny), stirred them up and seasoned them, then scrambled them on the grill.

I also have all three of them clear off the table, set the table, empty the dishwasher, wipe of counters, etc. I've been doing this with my 2 yr old for a while now too. She is very capable and good, but she also seems a bit more interested than I remember my other two being at her age.

When it comes to cleaning, I have them work in pairs or as a group. It makes it more fun and gets done quicker...less difficult for them. They seem to like cleaning pretty good so far!

DS is 5. He has 'helped' in the kitchen since he was about 3. Some days more than others. He breaks eggs, whisks, cuts vegetables (we started with a plastic knife, now he is using a small paring knife with supervision). He LOVES to do dishes ( I think it's just playing in soapy water to him). Mollie Katzen (of the Moosewood Restaurant) has a couple of kid's cookbooks that look good. I am planning to order them next time I buy from Amazon. There is also a great (intermittent) column in the Sunday NY Times Magazine called 'Cooking with Dexter'. Dexter is 6 and he can bake- it is a great read.

I allow my children to help when it's safe and we have time. My girls are all under 5. The older 2 help with:
-unloading the dishwasher after I've taken out all the knives
-gathering ingredients and utensils
-measuring, adding and mixing
-decorating (cookies and cakes)

At this age the things they do are for fun; I never make them help. Once they're older they'll be contributing on a more regular basis :o)

I have sons and no matter what I did they have no use for a kitchen..... except of course to clean out the frig and pantry.

Yep, since he was SUPER little.

I never really got the point of play kitchens. Not when there's a real one, with real food, already installed.

My 13 year old son can cook pretty much anything that I can, and he enjoys it much more than I do. He often cooks breakfast because he likes to eat a big breakfast, and I prefer cereal. He also will "help" me cook dinner, but ends up taking over. I love it! He cleans up everything, too! My 7 year old is interested in cooking as well, but he's much messier about everything, so I haven't been as good about teaching him. I need to change that.

I actually HATE it when anyone else is in my workspace. I, myself, never learned how to cook as a kid, but am a good cook now. I figure, they'll learn at some point. For me, cooking a meal is all about efficiency, getting into the zone, and I run my kitchen like a well-(olive)oiled machine. If I had kids "helping" me, I would get waaaay too frustrated and irritated. But they DO help unload the dishwasher (not load, only I do that, more efficient that way), sweep and mop the floors, wipe down countertops, etc. And they get themselves snacks and sandwiches. My husband is much more patient with them in the kitchen. If he decides to make pancakes or eggs, he'll let them do it and supervise. Of course, I'm the one left to clean up that mess afterwards...

All 3 of mine help to different degrees. If I'm rushed or have all 4 burners going then I don't let the younger ones help because it worries me.. But they LOVE to help and have their favorite recipes and all :).