If you have kids at home, chances are you’ve heard the question “can I do that?” when cooking or baking. That’s because many young children are curious about cooking and baking (especially when cookies are involved) and are excited when they are invited to mix a batter or help cut up a vegetable. While these requests to help may sometimes seem bothersome, getting your kids involved in cooking can be a rewarding experience for you and your children alike.

The following tips can help you get cooking with any youngsters:

Plan it Out
A great place to start when cooking with kids is by getting them involved in the planning process. This can teach children valuable lessons in decision making and organization skills, and it can help them understand what is needed to create their favorite meal. Try letting your kids help pick out which meals you will cook for your family during the week, and invite them to experiment with different ideas and ingredients.

Be Supply Ready
Things can get crazy with kids in the kitchen, especially if there is more than one little helper – so be prepared. Stock your kitchen with kid-friendly supplies like plastic or wooden spoons, plastic knives and measuring cups. You should also have a step stool on hand and an apron to keep clothes clean. Consider bringing older children along for the shopping trip so they can get an even better understanding of each ingredient.

Safety First
Thinking of kids in the kitchen can be a scary thought for some, but a little preparation in safety goes a long way. Be sure to explain to kids that there are possible dangers that exist in the kitchen and that they should always stay away from the oven burners, knives and graters. You should also keep pan handles turned toward the back of the stove, cook boiling liquids on the back burners and keep knives behind a cutting board – not on top of the board – in case it gets knocked over while cooking.

Teach Skills
Just because you’re cooking with kids, doesn’t mean you can’t teach them some real cooking skills while you’re having fun in the kitchen. Try buying a children’s cookbook with simple instructions and pictures so they can get a better understanding of how to prepare certain foods. Cooking and baking is also a great way to teach and reinforce math and reading skills. Have your kids read recipes and ingredients out loud, as well as help with recipe measurements.

Introduce New Foods
Involving kids in the kitchen provides more than just an opportunity for fun, it gives you a chance to introduce new foods. Kids who help create a meal may be more likely to give less-familiar foods a chance, so try making recipes with some new veggies and protein options that your kids tend to avoid. You can also spruce up family favorites with new ingredients! Check out our online recipe database for ways that you can use Artichokes and other veggies in fun recipes like Artichips and Honey Grilled Cauliflower. Another added bonus is your kids will love the hands-on eating experience Artichokes provide.

Provide Praise
No matter what happens in the kitchen, one of the most important tips to remember when cooking with kids is offering praise. Even if their cooking masterpiece doesn’t come out as planned, providing kids with kind words, as well as thanking them for their help, will encourage them to continue to get involved in the cooking process for years to come!

Sources: amazingmoms.com, pbs.org, parenting.ivillage.com, bonappetit.com