6 Simple ways to share the joy of cooking with your kids
5 Minute Read
Do you remember the joy of learning to cook with a parent or grandparent? Perhaps it was baking cookies with your mom or rolling dough alongside one of your grandparents—those moments stay with you forever. The laughter, the occasional mess, and the pride of creating something together make these experiences unforgettable.
Cooking with kids isn't just about preparing meals—it's about fostering creativity, teaching valuable life skills and building cherished memories. While it might get a little messy, cooking can transform into a meaningful and rewarding family tradition with some preparation and the right mindset.
CAA Magazine spoke to Julie Findlay, better known as Mom In The Know (@momintheknow), a family and food expert who shared her best tips for ensuring you have fun times when you’re in the kitchen with kids!
Start with age-appropriate tasks
When you’re cooking with your kids or grandkids, select tasks that match their age and skills to nurture their confidence and abilities in the kitchen.
Findlay emphasizes the importance of engaging kids in a way that matches their level of experience.
"Get everyone helping," she said. "Assign cooking tasks to your kids depending on age, ability and level of experience in the kitchen."
For younger kids, keep it simple—washing fruits, tearing lettuce or mixing ingredients is a great introduction to cooking. Older kids can move on to measuring, peeling, or slicing with supervision.
Turn it into a learning moment
Cooking is a great way to teach practical skills in a fun and engaging way. It’s like sneaking in a lesson without anyone realizing it.
As you whip up a delicious meal or dessert, you can dive into the world of measurement and fractions. Plus, you can explore the science behind cooking — why baking soda makes cookies and bread rise or how sugar caramelizes when you add heat.
"Turn your meal prep into a creative, hands-on adventure where everyone gets to explore new flavours and skills," Findlay said. "The teamwork will make every dish even more delicious!"
When cooking, you get more than a great-tasting dish; you also get to create new memories with your family.
Create a kitchen setup for little hands
By creating a kid-friendly cooking station, you can turn the kitchen into a fun and safe adventure for your kids.
Start by adding some non-slip cutting mats to keep things steady as they chop and prepare. Opt for small mixing bowls that small hands can handle; this makes it easier for them to mix and pour without spills.
Make sure to stock up on lightweight utensils that are easy to grip so your kids can confidently tackle each task. Don't forget a sturdy stool or step ladder to help them reach the counter comfortably; this way, they can feel like true kitchen pros!
Remember, even observing can spark a child’s excitement and make them want to join in.
"Give them a bird’s-eye view," she explained. "Provide each child with a stable step or stool, just high enough to allow them to reach the counter or table safely. Even if there isn’t anything for them to do, they’ll still enjoy watching you cook, and it’s a great opportunity to chat."
Additionally, enhance the experience even more by giving your child a set of brightly coloured measuring cups and spoons.
"If you have more than one child, make sure each has a different colour to avoid conflict in the kitchen," said Findlay.
Keep sharp knives, hot pans and other hazards out of reach to ensure a safe environment for your little chefs.
Celebrate the joy of messy moments
Cooking with kids often means things won't go perfectly—and that's okay. Flour might spill, eggs might break and sometimes the kitchen looks like a whirlwind blew through, but Findlay reminds us to keep things lighthearted.
"And finally – keep your sense of humour!" she said. "Spilled some milk? Dropped an egg? It’s all part of the process. After all, cleaning up can be fun, too."
Teaching kids to laugh at mistakes and clean up afterward helps them learn to adapt and enjoy the process rather than focus on perfection. Even young children can help organize dirty utensils or wipe down counters.
Remember, these messy moments are often the most memorable—embrace them as part of the fun!
Make it festive and fun
Turn your cooking session into an event to add a little extra fun. Try themes like pizza night, taco Tuesday or a breakfast-for-dinner pyjama party. You could also celebrate holidays or special occasions by cooking themed dishes, like heart-shaped pancakes for Valentine's Day or spooky treats for Halloween.
Findlay highlights the importance of dressing for the occasion.
"The right outfit makes all the difference," she shares. "A kid-sized apron, a mini chef’s hat or just one of dad’s big old shirts will help keep clothes clean and get your little assistant into the cooking mood."
You can even set up a "restaurant" experience by letting kids name what they made, design a menu with folded paper and some crayons and then eat all together. These little touches make the experience feel extra special and memorable.
Savour the results and encourage creativity
When the cooking is done, sit down as a family to enjoy the meal together. Ask your kids what they liked about the process and celebrate their effort so they feel proud and eager to cook again.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of the finished dish to commemorate the moment—it's a great way to celebrate their hard work.
"By combining learning with play, you can create a memorable and enriching experience that fosters both life skills and creativity," said Findlay.
As kids gain confidence, let them take ownership of specific tasks or the recipe. For example, they can season vegetables, assemble a salad or follow a simple recipe independently.
Encourage creativity by letting kids experiment with their recipes or variations. Whether adding their favourite toppings to a pizza or picking what sprinkles go on the cupcakes, these moments foster independence and make cooking even more enjoyable.
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