A Guide to Cookery Skills by Age
shared by Jennifer
shared by Jennifer
Your little one may not be able to dress himself or go to the toilet on her own but from around 18 months, your child will probably want to start 'helping you out' in the kitchen. Take advantage of their interest to give yourself a break. If they're entertained in the kitchen you can get on with the business of cooking and you'll both be happy
Ensure all hazards are away from grabbing hands - pot handles, hot food and liquids, sharp or heavy utensils and cleaning products. Think about what they can reach or trip over and make sure there is always a clear path if you're carrying anything hot, sharp or heavy. You can set them up on the kitchen table so you know they're at a safe distance.
Once you've cleared the way, this is your opportunity to teach your child about food and familiarise them with the kitchen environment.
Here are some of the activities very young children will enjoy:
Another way to keep young children occupied is to give them plastic containers and utensils to wash in the sink - this can provide lengthy entertainment while you cook.
In addition to the skills listed for under 3s, 3 - 5 year olds with their increased common sense, ability to follow instructions and dexterity can undertake a wide range of skills. It will depend on your knowledge of your child, as skills can still vary greatly at this age. Many children really don't want to listen to what mummy or daddy say so think safety first and don't try and tackle anything your feel unsure about.
Activities to try with 3 - 5 year olds
Rolling, shaping and cutting dough - choose plastic cutters and a small rolling pin
Along with the skills suggested for 3-5 year olds, you can now introduce your child to trickier techniques and equipment. At this stage, you could think about buying your child a knife designed for young cooks or using a small adult one.
With the introduction of sharp cutting tools like knives and scissors, always consider the ability of your child and if you're not comfortable, then leave it for a while. There are still other more complex skills they can enjoy. If you do think they can manage then still always keep an eye on them as it's very easy to slip even for adults.
Activities to try with 5 - 7 year olds
Along with the skills suggested for 3 - 5 and 5 - 7 year olds, when children reach 8 +, they can start to get involved with planning and undertake activities with a bit more independence. Supervision is still key due to the number of hazards in the kitchen but take a hands off approach where possible.
Activities to try with 8 - 11 year olds
Gradually introduce your children to the above and make sure they are aware of the dangers involved. If you feel they are not ready, hold off for a while. Cuts and burns are common in the kitchen so always keep an eye on them. However capable they may be, it's easy to get distracted or try to rush an activity.
Along with the skills suggested for 5 - 7 and 7 - 11 year olds, when children reach 12 +, they can begin to prepare more complex recipes and even start improvising. How much they can achieve depends on how interested they are in cooking and how much they've done before.
Even much older children should have some supervision to avoid accidents in the kitchen.