The healthy food choices and cooking principles you teach your child today can help him to maintain his weight in the future. Teaching healthy cooking requires you to ensure your child has a good understanding of safety precautions and healthy food choices. Involving your child in menu choices and in the cooking process can foster an interest in healthy eating, according to Kids Health. While there is no perfect age when your child should begin cooking, be sure your child is mature and conscientious enough in the kitchen to prevent serious injury.
Step 1
Teach your child the basics of food and kitchen safety. Conduct an "orientation session" in which you review the parts of the kitchen. Have you child identify the "hot" areas, such as the microwave, oven and stove, and how they can be potentially harmful. Discuss the importance of thoroughly washing the hands, especially before and after handling raw foods, according to Family Education.
Step 2
Prepare a menu, then go on a grocery shopping expedition with your child, suggests PBS Parents. Kids who take part in meal selection are more likely to eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, according to Kids Health. Discuss with your child how to know when foods are ripe and when a food could potentially spoil to avoid cooking with contaminated foods.
Step 3
Co-host your own cooking show with your child. Pretend you and your child are on a cooking show, explaining each step of what you are doing. This is an inventive way to instruct your child in food and kitchen safety. Explain how you are handling foods, show that you are washing your hands often and advise "viewers" on safely using a knife to cut foods.
Step 4
Place foods in the oven yourself or have your child ask permission before opening the oven. Because children can suffer burns, this area must be carefully supervised during cooking.
Step 5
Host a dinner party for family or your child's friends. Have your child introduce the foods you have prepared and ask her to explain why they are healthy food choices. Encourage your child by telling her how much you enjoyed the meal and that you would love to see her continue her chef pursuits.
Tips and Warnings
- Always ensure you have proper safety equipment in your kitchen before cooking with your children. Oven mitts, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector are all important parts of a safe kitchen. You also may wish to purchase safety knives or scissors to reduce the risk of your child cutting himself.
Things You'll Need
- Oven mitts
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke detector
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