Teaching your kids to cook at home can start as young as toddler-aged. When children are exposed to the tasks of cooking early, they learn chemistry, math, reading and critical thinking along the way as well!

With the little ones, start with basics like washing veggies, wiping counters and tabletops, or helping set the table. Slowly graduate to stirring, sorting, sprinkling and any easy tasks that do not involve heat or sharp knives.

Once kids are in elementary school, they’ll love measuring, kneading, mixing, chopping with plastic child-safe knives and stirring on the stovetop with supervision. Explain as you go what is happening to the food as it changes form. When they’re ready to “cook” something, make a simple boxed item like macaroni and cheese, or cook some scrambled eggs.

They’ll love the details like setting a timer, using measuring cups and spoons, and assembling ingredients into their final form as one of their favorite foods! Teach basic food safety, including clean countertops, washed hands, and never licking a stirring spoon before returning it to the bowl.

Other easy cooking tasks that children can help with might include mashing potatoes, cracking eggs, brushing olive oil on veggies before baking, and using cookie cutters. Teach children to safely use a can opener, operate the microwave, peel carrots, shred cheese, and build essential kitchen confidence. As you progress in difficulty of tasks, you’ll see them grow in pride from their accomplishments.