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What's Your Thought On Teaching Kids To Cook

From the lens Teaching Your Kids To Cook.

  • candidaabrahamson May 4, 2012 @ 4:54 pm | delete
    What a great lens--and so optomistic! (My experiences with my daughter were somewhat different--but I'm glad you've achieved success.:)
  • blackspanielgallery Jan 6, 2012 @ 4:26 pm | delete
    Nice lens
  • baby-strollers Dec 8, 2011 @ 11:51 am | delete
    My 2 year old loves to make cupcakes with Grandma. On the other hand the 4 and 6 year old, really like making Pizza with Daddy!
  • fionamckay9 Oct 16, 2011 @ 11:33 am | delete
    That toddler cooking video is quite scary - anyhow, I think that teaching your kids to cook would be a great bonding experience I used to bake with my gran and we had a great time. Great lens. Blessed
  • ratetea Sep 30, 2011 @ 12:05 pm | delete
    I think this lens has a really great message...it's not just about teaching kids how to cook but also about making them more aware of where their food comes from. This is such an important message in today's society. These skills can help kids to be more healthy and also more independent as they grow up!
  • justinejamie Jul 5, 2011 @ 10:44 pm | delete
    My sister lets her kids help her in the kitchen. I think this is really a great way to make children learn and at the same time have fun. Thanks for sharing. I'll teach my baby once she's old enough.
  • kitchencowboys Apr 7, 2011 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    My mom needed my help in the kitchen since she worked outside the home fulltime. She allowed me to have input into menu planning and slowing I began to cook more and more of the meals and do fewer dishes. I liked the tradeoff! Today, I'm beginning to teach my sons to cook using the stove. For a long time I wouldn't let them near it after my youngest burned himself accidentally during that split second it takes to turn around and grab the pizza pan. He healed up nicely but the fear never really went away after that. Still, I totally believe in kids cooking early. And hopefully at age 7 and 10, I haven't let too much time slip by. They bothy enjoy being involved in the kitchen.
  • Janiece Mar 31, 2011 @ 6:54 am | delete
    Cooking with children can be a very rewarding experience for child and parent (or grandparent) alike! Blessed and featured on "The Best Homeschooling Resources!"
  • Cooking With Kids Mar 6, 2011 @ 3:13 pm | delete
    I totally agree with you regarding the age, although I did wait until my daughter was 9 and a half. I let her explore and cook under my supervision mainly to conquer her limited taste buds and now have her personal blog and Culinary Tots project: http://culinarytots.com/ open to other parents and kids so they can benefit from it as well. We hope it helps everyone who is a picky eater.
  • HarmonyArtMom Feb 7, 2011 @ 8:42 am | delete
    I love this lens! My high school age son and I are working our way through two cookbooks together and it is a great experience.

    Thanks for the great links and additional ideas.
    Adding to my favorites and blessing.
    ***Blessed by an Angel***
  • onlinecertification Jan 10, 2011 @ 7:25 am | delete
    nice omelet recipe will try today , great lens seriously.
  • GonnaFly Dec 28, 2010 @ 3:56 am | delete
    What great ideas! My 16 year old daughter loves cooking so much that she has been cooking our evening meals for about a year. Now that's what I call a benefit (for me)! Lensrolled to my food pyramid coloring pages.
  • chemknitsblog Dec 13, 2010 @ 7:14 am | delete
    Amazing! How could I not bless it? I really want my future kids to love cooking as much as I do, so I really enjoyed reading this lens.
  • Dec 6, 2010 @ 8:58 am | delete
    I think 8 would be the right age for them to start assisting in cooking although I still don't like the idea of kids being close to the stove or the oven or other sharp objects in the kitchen. In my opinion there are lots of exciting things to explore than mastering cooking! However, kids can explore the process through pretend play kitchen sets, see at www.toysandstuff.net
  • hotbrain Dec 2, 2010 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    I got my wings today and I'm blessing this lens! I loved reading what your daughter wrote about caramelized onions. Congratulations on the great lens!
  • Oct 16, 2010 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    Great lens. Thumbs Up!
  • scar4 Oct 14, 2010 @ 9:52 pm | delete
    Sorry about mistyped the words. This is an interesting topic, teaching kids to cook. Nice lens.
  • randomethoughts Oct 14, 2010 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    cooking with ur kids is a great family experience.
  • WriterBuzz Oct 6, 2010 @ 5:44 am | delete
    Very nice lens. Thanks. I gave you a thumbs up, because it's a nice lense.
  • calmkoala Sep 26, 2010 @ 5:09 pm | delete
    I found this a brilliant lens, as it's both crammed with useful information and set out so well for a 'newbie' like me to learn from... Thank you!
  • GrowWear Sep 17, 2010 @ 3:54 am | delete
    Children just love to be in the kitchen cooking. :)
  • nyfamily5 Sep 4, 2010 @ 6:56 pm | delete
    This is an absolutely wonderful and informative lens on teaching kids to cook. Sprinkled with some dust and blessed by an angel
  • ReluctantGourmet Sep 17, 2010 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    Thank you very much for your kind words and some of that angel dust.
  • Christmastoyshop Aug 31, 2010 @ 8:53 am | delete
    You have some great ideas here! I'm going to implement them with my kids for sure. I loved cooking with my mom as a kid. It's a great bonding experience, too!
    I liked you and favorited you! :)
  • Harv Kay Aug 11, 2010 @ 5:17 am | delete
    This is a wonderful blog. I fully subcribe to children being in the kitchen and learning about food and cooking. I got this idea when my son started 'cooking' when he was two. There are lots of secrets to cooking and children. Have a look at 1teachingkids.blogspot.com
  • kimmie1967 Apr 10, 2010 @ 9:49 am | delete
    Great lens. My middle daughter Kayla will be 16 next month and she loves to cook! It's funny because she was in the kitchen a lot when she was younger but did not think she was really paying attention, I would have her mash potatoes or what not, but one day she told me she wanted to make supper and I needed to get out of "her" kitchen. She is better at some things than I am. And she really loves to cook if we are having company over for a meal, she loves to show off.
  • Sylvestermouse Apr 2, 2010 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    A wonderful lens! i will never forget the first cake my children made for me! A perfect birthday gift. Angel Blessed and added to my Squid Angel Mouse Tracks lens.
  • kimmanleyort Mar 31, 2010 @ 8:27 am | delete
    It is important for kids to learn how to cook and to know where food comes from. It is a skill that will serve them well their whole lives and it is a confidence booster too. Great tips here.
  • marymc Feb 14, 2010 @ 11:45 am | delete
    My kids are grown with kids of their own--13 grandkids ages 5 to 20--I'm going to recommend this to their parents. BTW--I posted your Valentine's Day Romantic Dinner link on my facebook page. I'm mary bradley mccauley over there. Really like your lenses--good job. 5 stars.
  • RuntFarmSeries Nov 19, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    What a fabulous lens! There's nothing like cooking with kids; they're so interested in the science of it, how it all works, as well as the math of measuring ingredients. Cooking is a great teaching tool. Love your pictures and videos.
  • MANDO Nov 5, 2009 @ 11:31 am | delete
    THIS IS A GREAT LENS, NOW I CAN TEACH MY KIDS ABOUT COOKING!
  • bloomingrose Aug 22, 2009 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Great lens! Some of my very favorite times with my kids have been cooking ; and we always tried new and difficult challenges like brining a turkey or making candy.

    I love your writing style.
  • Aug 20, 2009 @ 2:04 am | delete
    it's very nice lens. i love it.
  • Free_and_Easy_Payday Aug 19, 2009 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    Wow! what a great lens...I can only hope to reach the mastery skill of creating lens u have accomplished!...what a great Idea! ..a great family bonding experience!!!
  • how-to-cook-eggs Jul 28, 2009 @ 11:19 am | delete
    very interesting and helpfull thanx. 5
  • ChloeComfort Jul 23, 2009 @ 11:12 am | delete
    What a great lens. There is nothing more fun than cooking with your kids. Great recipes too! 5 stars!
  • laura Jul 14, 2009 @ 12:10 am | delete
    My 6 year old daughter,Heaven, loves to cook with me ...sometimes a little difficult ... need to add the Pamper Chef kids cook book to your line of teaching kids to cook collection...very useful for young ones !!!
  • LaurenLucas-WilsonHillStables Jul 12, 2009 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    What a great page! I just signed up for my first 'lens' and decided to view some other pages that I found on the 'lens of the week' type link. Very Cool! Hopefully when I get my page up and running you can come and visit me!

    Lauren Lucas
    Wilson Hill Stables
    Central Ohio
  • cjm2000 Jul 1, 2009 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    nice hub im a teenager n im really interested in cooking
  • foreverme Jun 10, 2009 @ 7:12 pm | delete
    Love the lens! Have to come back to check out the recipes. I Love to make food fun.
  • chefkeem Jun 8, 2009 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Just re-blessed you, m'friend. Glad I stopped by. :-)
  • Superwife Jun 5, 2009 @ 5:48 pm | delete
    I love this lens! my 5 yr old loves to cook too, can't keep her out of the kitchen. 5* and lensroll :)
  • The Delightful Gourmet Jun 1, 2009 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    What a great post. I am going to blog about this great lens so others can benefit from it. I was just looking for some good advice about cooking with kids without being left with a huge mess or being abandoned in the kitchen when the kids get bored. The key is to keep it fun.
  • ss834 Jun 1, 2009 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Excellent lens and great topic! No one taught me how to cook as a kid, or teenager, and I ended up teaching myself. The whole learning process has been very rewarding. Interestingly, there are some chemistry lessons to be learned by cooking. Consider the way oils and vinegars can be used to enhance flavors-- this is because of the chemical properties of these unique flavor compounds! It's really amazing to see how much you and your kids can learn through cooking. When people regularly opt to go out to eat, they are missing out on so much. Thanks for this lens!
  • jo-c Jun 1, 2009 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    i love this, great visuals and informative too. definately keen to get the old apron back on now, roll up my sleeves and tempt my six year old into the kitchen.
  • BigMamaGuru May 27, 2009 @ 3:58 pm | delete
    Great lens. I too am interested in getting families to turn off the tvs and computers and get into the kitchen. It's so important that both boys and girls know how to cook so they don't eat all that processed, salty stuff. Kudos.
  • Ecolicious May 24, 2009 @ 10:43 am | delete
    This great! I only wish someone had taught me how to cook as a child. I learned by watching or trial and error, but using my hands once in a while would have been nice. Maybe my kids feel the same way.
  • May 22, 2009 @ 8:30 pm | delete
    Nice! My boys are still young, 6 & 2, but both love to 'help' cook in the kitchen, though I reserve the right to do so only on days when Mommy has enough patience for such a daunting activity!
  • skiesgreen May 18, 2009 @ 11:04 pm | delete
    Great information and pictures. I wish I could have taken lots of photos of my children when I was teaching them to cook.
  • Tuula_Olin May 17, 2009 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    This is excellent, 5* lens. My daughter 13 yrs. likes to cook with me and just yesterday we counted how many things she can cook or make in the kitchen. I think we reached 25, but easiest of them was toast, the hardest was the garlic potato bake. She actually made that for me on Mother's Day the first time alone.
    The question here is how to get the teenage BOYS to the kitchen for other than opening the fridge and heating up chicken nuggets!?
  • allinfoisfree May 14, 2009 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    The most important thing for me to remember is to have patience!!! :)
    5 *'s
  • karanta May 14, 2009 @ 5:07 am | delete
    Very interesting lens :) 5*
  • Mr_D_K May 13, 2009 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    Unreal lens I never learned how to cook so i am a pretty picky eater, this has given me a great idea to spend some quality time with my daughters and some new avenues to try some different foods at home.
    thanks
  • Ana_Aguilar May 12, 2009 @ 2:29 am | delete
    I really miss cooking with my kids! I love the ideas in this lens, I'm going to pass this one on to my sis! Thank You!
  • gentlemanfarmer May 12, 2009 @ 1:34 am | delete
    I really like your lens!!

    I've posted a link on our site, solely because of the value of your content at our house. Please keep this going. You're doing a great service to families!
  • MAD-CARTOON-MONSTER May 11, 2009 @ 4:48 am | delete
    Wow ! Its time for my kids to do some work in the kitchen ! Thanks !
  • jjsuico May 10, 2009 @ 11:08 am | delete
    great idea! i wish my mom did teach me how to cook when i was young...
  • May 9, 2009 @ 11:10 pm | delete
    Fabulous lens. You would inspire any parent to get their kids cooking. Well done.
  • Sadheeskumar May 9, 2009 @ 4:45 pm | delete
    This is a wonderful, cute and delicious lens.
    I like it, so Five Stars to this. Well done Friend..
  • BarbRad May 9, 2009 @ 3:05 am | delete
    Cooking was one of my daughter's subjects in our home school. We worked together on many dishes. Then she picked the one she wanted to fix for her final exam, when she was encouraged to invite some friends to taste what she made. Cooking was the subject she liked best because she knew for sure it would be useful in later life.

    Cooking is a natural in a home school. you get some help with fixing meals and they learn some math, chemistry, food science, nutrition, and more. The children are motivated to learn because they know what cooking is good for.
  • May 8, 2009 @ 10:43 am | delete
    Great way to teach my kids how to cook, and, er, me too at the same time.
  • mikeitloffe May 5, 2009 @ 4:09 pm | delete
    This sounds promising, I will have a go with my boy! Great job.
  • only1bub May 4, 2009 @ 1:16 am | delete
    You did a really great job - lots of info, well put... Very nice - congrats!

    My oldest son is only 3 but he loves to "make" cookies, cake & pancakes, which usually ends up in a gigantic mess. Now he is old enough to help hold the beater while it mixes while I try to keep my 1 year olds hands out of the beaters while he watches - he has now learned to push a chair to the counter to "help"...I love it, though I sometimes think cooking with toddlers should be in a list for a high stress job... :D
  • momof2birds May 3, 2009 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Really good. I think my boys did learn a little about cooking from me, but they learned more about nutrition and shopping, reading labels and calculating a good buy.
  • AlisonLee May 2, 2009 @ 4:38 am | delete
    I love your lens. Children are wonderful learners and they'll definitely enjoy the time spent with adults. Baking is another wonderful way to cultivate their creativity and have fun at the same time. :) 5 stars!
  • DeeGreen May 1, 2009 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    Amazing lens!!! Not only do I cook with my 5 year old daughter, but we grow food together too!!! Thank you for such wonderful insight on the different ways cooking can enrich a child's life. We have a comparibly short amount of time with our children and engaging in basic life skills like cooking is something precious that should be cherished and shared. You have covered all the bases- excellent lens!!!
  • JoanneGreco Apr 30, 2009 @ 9:30 pm | delete
    Thank you for linking to my lens (http://www.squidoo.com/recipesforkids). I'm going to link back to you. *5 stars*. :-)
  • HenryEgg Apr 30, 2009 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    I had never given much thought to the importance of having my kids help me cook. From now on when they want to help I will definitely encourage them to participate and find manageable tasks that they can do - even something as simple as caramelizing onions. THANKS! Henry http://www.geothermalexperts.net/
  • Kay_Sweetuan Apr 28, 2009 @ 1:22 am | delete
    An amazing, comprehensive lens! Love it , love it , love it. It has just about covered my cooking get-together this weekend with my little 9 year old friends.
  • C6YN Apr 26, 2009 @ 11:23 pm | delete
    I run a family day care and I teach all my children to cook. Depending on their age, they get to do different things. The stove is still out of bounds due to day care regulations, but cutting foods with scissors, pulling vegetables apart, mixing ingredients together, beating an egg.. They love it. My own daughter is 16 months and she helps in the kitchen after day care children are gone. She pours ingredients into the pot and gets to taste the cooked food first!
  • CherylK Apr 24, 2009 @ 10:13 pm | delete
    Excellent lens - cooking with kids is lots of fun. Even my two-year-old twin grandkids like to help make cookies!
  • DReynolds67 Apr 24, 2009 @ 4:44 am | delete
    Wow....really fantastic work!
  • DawnM Apr 22, 2009 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    This is a great lens. My daughters and I cook together all the time. We have a great time. I really didn't know it helps them in so many other ways! Thanks for sharing!
  • karen550 Apr 22, 2009 @ 8:15 am | delete
    Wonderful, wonderful lens. Thank you so much. Keep adding recipes, they are great!! My son watches Iron Chef America and has decided he wants to be a writer and a chef. Funny boy. Love it!
  • Beefed24 Apr 22, 2009 @ 4:21 am | delete
    informative article
  • scot201 Apr 20, 2009 @ 8:23 pm | delete
    I love the idea of teaching your children to cook. My Daughter and I have cooked together and I sometimes use her taste buds for an honest opinion when I am making a new recipe. She was my inspiration for my macaroni and cheese recipe. None of my daughters friends knows how to properly cook a filet of salmon. I was so proud of her when we ordered salmon that came with the skin on it and she skinned it effortlessly.

    I don't worry about her feeding herself when I'm not around.

    Scott
  • Lori Ray Apr 20, 2009 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    Here's what happened when I asked my 10 yr old daughter to cook!
    http://www.squidoo.com/humorinthehome
  • AppalachianCountry Apr 20, 2009 @ 1:10 pm | delete
    This lens is wonderful. We are so into training a child. We must take the time. Thank-you for all the work.
  • Homestyle-decors Apr 19, 2009 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    Such a great lens! 5 stars. Cooking is my passion & it's all thanks to Mom. She taught me when I was really little. I cook mostly Filipino (Philippines) foods and my husband and his family (Americans) appreciates my cooking. When his mom cooks American foods and combine with my Filipino foods in one great feast, it's the best of both worlds!

    Now, it's my turn to teach my child. Congratz on your lens!
  • RickyRobi Apr 17, 2009 @ 6:42 am | delete
    This brings back some lovely memories of "helping" my mother in the kitchen. I learned everything I know about cooking by watching my mother and her letting me experiment.
  • MattTaylor Apr 16, 2009 @ 8:22 pm | delete
    The video was funny... and you know what else is incredible... the kid had the right idea... always try to kick away the evidence... that way you can blame someone else!

    :)

    Matt
  • K_Linda Apr 16, 2009 @ 7:30 pm | delete
    Amazingly well-done lens! My sisters and I started learning to cook at a very young age by our mother's side. We all love to cook and my youngest sister has been a chef, is an awesome caterer and a math teacher. 5*
  • happynutritionist Apr 16, 2009 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    What a wonderful lens, and congratulations on LOTD. 5 stars to you!

    My children are grown now, and I must say that I regret not spending more time in the kitchen with them...so if anyone reading this has young ones, learn from this lens and enjoy your kids in the kitchen so that this won't be on your "regret" list:-)

    Oh, there's lots of things I don't regret too, but for some reason when they grow up and move on, you think of all the things you wish you'd done:-)

    Claudia
  • Heather426 Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Great lens, 5*. My kids are grown but I did teach them to cook and 2 of them (the boys!) want to go to culinary school and are gourmet cooks. One great benefit of that is they now cook for me!
  • sittonbull Apr 16, 2009 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Awesome Lens! Congratulations on LOTD and thanks for sharing.
  • mbgphoto Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:32 am | delete
    Very cool lens!
  • Wendy_J Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:27 am | delete
    Wonderful lens! Congrats on getting chosen for Lens of the day!!! I have taught all 3 of my kids to cook, which was a great idea as I don't enjoy cooking all that much:-) They are good cooks, with their specialties being totally different. Now with only one kid left at home, there are more days I get to cook, but I truly enjoy a meal planned and executed by my son. Very happy I taught him:-)
  • DoraArtDesignStudio Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:22 am | delete
    Congrats on this lens! Good luck!
  • schofieldml Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:13 am | delete
    Wow a great lens, 5*. My daughter is still a little young to allow her near fire or sharp objects but she does a great job helping with the clean up. I like the way you included actual recipes among the excellent information.
  • CounselMom Apr 9, 2009 @ 10:04 am | delete
    Great lens with lots of great information! I need to learn to relax and not worry about the mess when my kids want to help me cook!! Please consider joining my new Kids and Food Headquarters group at: http://www.squidoo.com/groups/kidsandfood
  • titanium_knights Apr 3, 2009 @ 11:26 pm | delete
    Really, just a perfectly well put together lens! Lots of information, nice photos - great job!
  • M_S_Beltran Apr 3, 2009 @ 7:11 pm | delete
    Awesome lens. 5* for a beautiful job and lensrolled to my Hearth & Homeschool & crockpot lenses. Beautiful job. I love to cook with my kids... my 10 year old has wanted to be a chef since age four.
  • Lego-Sets Apr 3, 2009 @ 9:27 am | delete
    I try to get my kids involved in cooking anytime I can. My wife can't cook so I am glad I always helped my grandmother when I was a little boy. We all need to eat, right?
  • DreamsFulfilled Apr 2, 2009 @ 4:58 pm | delete
    Great lens. Congratulations. I invite you to take a look at my project, www.kidprentice.com. I started this website and business because of my own little chef (who's now 13 years old). Thank you for an awesome lens.
  • Beadlady5 Apr 2, 2009 @ 10:32 am | delete
    What a fabulous lens. You certainly covered everything for this great topic. I think it's an iportant survival skill to teach your kids to cook--prepares them for helping them be independant and it helps with mathematical concepts as well as a healthy activity for you and your child to do together. I taught both my sons how to cook when they were young. It was fun for me and fun for them. And I'm happy to say they both cook as an adult--I wish my mother-in-law would have taught my husband to cook! LOL--
    ta ta, Beadlady5.artfire.com
  • Jimmie Apr 2, 2009 @ 9:53 am | delete
    I love to have my daughter cook with me because I like the company in the kitchen. Besides, everyone should learn to cook!
  • Rogerke Apr 2, 2009 @ 8:31 am | delete
    I had fun reading your lens ! My kids will love the mess they can make in the kitchen !
  • MCMILLIAN75 Apr 1, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    NICE,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..:)
  • Diamond_Wizard Apr 1, 2009 @ 8:21 am | delete
    I always have my son help me to prepare meals simply because he wants to. He would actually take over if I let him, but I don't not yet anyway because he's only seven! He started helping out with mixing pancake mix when he was about two. I'm glad someone did a lens on "Teaching Your Kids to Cook" in great detail. This is a great lens and I can use it as a reference. It also has some great recipes.
  • pvrust Mar 31, 2009 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    I think this an important skill to teach and will greatly influence how kids eat and learn healthy eating habits, Great Job
  • Rob3 Mar 31, 2009 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Great inspirational lens, it's good to see kids taking an interest in food at an early age.
    Perhaps when they are a bit older they can come over to my wine lens and pick up a few tips, and then learn how to appreciate alcohol.
  • 77611 Mar 31, 2009 @ 3:57 pm | delete
    It was fun looking through your lens..Thanks
  • chickendumplinchick Mar 31, 2009 @ 10:06 am | delete
    Fantastic lens! Informative and well written! I'm lensrolling to my cooking lenses. Fav'd and 5'd too! :)
  • thegreenninja Mar 31, 2009 @ 9:40 am | delete
    Great lens. When my son was 8 I began making him a homemade cookbook. It began with teaching him how to boil water. I kept on adding things like mac n cheese on up to more complicated dishes over the years. I even put in little drawings and photos. He is seventeen now and it is one of his prized possessions.
  • mistermint Mar 31, 2009 @ 8:59 am | delete
    Very nice lens, you find these days most of the parents can't cook :)
  • am12 Mar 31, 2009 @ 8:51 am | delete
    My 3 yr old son loves to cook, and this inspired me to cultivate that desire!
  • denask Mar 31, 2009 @ 8:25 am | delete
    Great lense :)
  • RaymondLeBlanc Mar 30, 2009 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    It's another great lens! Teaching kids how to cook is one of the many best things that parents can do for their children. keep it up!
  • RaymondLeBlanc Mar 30, 2009 @ 4:45 pm | delete
    A great and very informative lens! Thank you for sharing this to the world... I look forward for more. :)
  • SalonOfArt Mar 30, 2009 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Great lens! I am going to forward it to my friends who have kids!
  • Jewelsofawe Mar 30, 2009 @ 11:22 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD!
  • lakeerieartists Mar 30, 2009 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD. Loved the memories of cooking with my kids.
  • mcol Mar 30, 2009 @ 7:14 am | delete
    Brilliant, besides burned biccies on the weekend cooking with the kids has been great so its nice to find your site. I will be reccomending your work.

    Mat
  • wishgirl Mar 30, 2009 @ 5:00 am | delete
    A great lens- thank you! I so agree that we need to inspire and excite our children about food. Is it no wonder we have so many fussy eaters in England, if they are mainly presented with packaged and processed food? My four boys have been cooking for years and making their own packed lunches since primary school. They eat almost everything and are all very healthy, strapping lads!
    My lens on fussy eaters is: Secrets of eating for kids
  • tandemonimom Mar 30, 2009 @ 3:25 am | delete
    Congrats on a well-deserved LOTD! 5* and lensrolled to Coconutties.
  • LinaRose Mar 29, 2009 @ 1:45 am | delete
    Great lens. Cooking with (grand)children is fun. My children love to cook, thanks to the many ours spend in the kitchen having fun making new special recipes.
  • GreenbacksGuru Mar 29, 2009 @ 12:03 am | delete
    My grandkids and I really enjoyed looking at your lens together. Thanks for your efforts in writing this all up.
  • WaynesWorld Mar 28, 2009 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    Awesome lens!

    Ever since I read somewhere about a woman "rewarding herself" by requiring her three children and husband to cook one meal per week(normally supper), the early years being mostly Peanut butter and jelly but eventually having a houseful of cooks, I too have chosen this route for our son. I can't wait to start sharing the kitchen with him.
  • PaulaFarris Mar 28, 2009 @ 1:08 pm | delete
    Congrats on LOTD! This is a great lens. I taught my children how to make simple things like Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches when they were two years old. I thought this was "normal," but my friends were amazed when they saw my little ones cooking. My oldest (20 yos) is now a Sophomore at Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has won two cooking competitions. You never know where those skills will take them!
  • daria369 Mar 28, 2009 @ 11:43 am | delete
    Everyone should learn how to cook as a child - our eating habits would be so much better that way... :)
  • SammySpam Mar 28, 2009 @ 9:58 am | delete
    I used to love cooking with my parents, when i have children I will definetly do the same! Lovely lens.
  • ChurcHistory Mar 28, 2009 @ 9:52 am | delete
    Enjoyed your lens! Some great mouth watering recipe's,keep up the good work.Take care Allison.
  • heehaw Mar 28, 2009 @ 9:11 am | delete
    that is a good thing to do for parents and kids to spend their time in the kitchen.
  • MomwithAHook Mar 28, 2009 @ 8:32 am | delete
    awesome lens. congrats on being the lens of the day.
  • Mission0ps Mar 27, 2009 @ 4:13 pm | delete
    And if you do it right they end up as crazy about food as me . GR8 lens
  • Keasley Mar 27, 2009 @ 3:01 pm | delete
    Awesome! The cutest "Reluctant Cook" ever! Nice work here. I'm so enamored and impressed. Keep it up!
  • artgib Mar 27, 2009 @ 2:46 pm | delete
    I really like your lens. I have a 1 year old daughter and your lens makes me want to start teaching her... in a few years I guess.
  • dustytoes Mar 27, 2009 @ 2:45 pm | delete
    Great lens...all kids should learn how to cook but sadly too many adults don't know how either. Thanks for being an encouragement! Lensrolling to my cooking lens.
  • LizzieScribbles Mar 27, 2009 @ 12:37 pm | delete
    Thanks this is all great!
  • blakesdad Mar 27, 2009 @ 2:44 am | delete
    Great lens! Excellent ideas on kids cooking. . Five stars!
  • a_willow Mar 26, 2009 @ 4:34 pm | delete
    This is excellent lens and I'll use it in future since my girl is now 18 months old - this will be actual in future! ;) Congratulations on being selected as LoTD! You totally deserve it! And I'm always glad to see one of Fresh Squids up there! So, this lens is listed on Fresh Squids, LoTD Quality!
  • lindarandall Mar 26, 2009 @ 4:10 pm | delete
    Awesome work! I love how you covered so many topics in your lens, ive added it to my lens roll ( idea girl consulting)and hope you can twitter me www.twitter.com/theideagirl you should do some articles on http://www.momaroo.com (parenting blog)
  • IsisKat Mar 26, 2009 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    Fun ideas and informative!
  • in4profit Mar 26, 2009 @ 1:49 pm | delete
    I have three little girls that all love to cook. Great ideas, thanks for sharing.
  • seedplanter Mar 26, 2009 @ 1:29 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! You've created something fun and so very true here--teaching kids to cook is a great life-builder, as well as a wonderful way to spend time together building memories. It carries on to grandchildren, as well.
  • Easy-Home-Cook Mar 26, 2009 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Good stuff, learned myself from a small age and now have many bonding moments with my kids...

    They should be self sufficient in the kitchen and not afraid to explore new ideas...

    Nice Job
  • JenOfChicago Mar 26, 2009 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Great lens - congrats!
  • CreativeArtist Mar 26, 2009 @ 9:59 am | delete
    Interesting lens you have put together, with some great tips!
  • watkins-lady Mar 26, 2009 @ 8:23 am | delete
    Teaching your kids to cook is a valuable life skill and a fun way to spend time with them too. I'm glad all of my children can cook, even my son and I treasure all the times we've spent together in the kitchen. Congrats on earning lens of the day, you deserve it!
  • The_Party_Animal Mar 26, 2009 @ 7:20 am | delete
    Awesome Lens - My kids started with Sandwiches and then moved on to eggs when very young - now my son goes in the kitchen at 11 and cooks us meals - my daughter - well she is just a princess and would rather be served - go figure.
  • Az Mar 26, 2009 @ 5:25 am | delete
    great ideas, i love the pictures.. congrats on The Lens Of The Day :) :) :)
  • C-Joy Mar 26, 2009 @ 12:18 am | delete
    Congratulations! Preparing snacks is part of my curriculum in my classroom of 3-6 year olds. As well, my daughter (18 months) has already begun to help us cook:)
  • Mar 25, 2009 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    Excellento! A skill that most moms and dads have failed to pass onto the next generation.Most young brides cannot cook, at least that is what I have concluded from my own daughter-in laws. A little time in the kitchen under the watchful eyes and guidance of an adult will pay huge dividends especially for some lucky young groom.
  • KTLove Mar 25, 2009 @ 8:11 pm | delete
    This is a great lens! Lots of pictures and cute humor included. Thank you!
  • Cookie-Chef Mar 25, 2009 @ 5:17 pm | delete
    I thoroughly enjoyed this lens. I too believe cooking instills confidence and self esteem. I also believe it helps to connect kids with their parents. My husband doesn't always like it because I allow them to really get really down and dirty but I think it is well worth it. Play Kitchens are a great place to start too when they are young. It greatly enhances creativity and imagination.
    You deserved the lens of the day! It was great!
  • babyleaps Mar 25, 2009 @ 5:08 pm | delete
    Great lens, and some wonderful ideas---thanks for sharing! :)
  • Jodi_k Mar 25, 2009 @ 4:42 pm | delete
    The first thing I learned to "cook" was chocolate pudding from a mix. My mom sat me down on a tall stool and I stirred and stirred. Then the best part: licking the spoon! Thanks for bringing back the memory.
  • aj2008 Mar 25, 2009 @ 3:59 pm | delete
    Before my son went off to University, I made sure he had a big enough repetoire of recipes and cooking knowledge to be able to tell people "yes, I can cook". Result - he never had to do any ironing or cleaning in the flat he shared with other students for the whole of his time at University. He just did the cooking.

    This is a great lens. Congratulations on Lens of the Day from a not-so reluctant gourmet!.
  • Tina1094 Mar 25, 2009 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    GREAT lens. I love cooking with my kids and think it is so important for them, and our relationship. It will be a positive experience for many years to come. Good job.
  • LuckyMama80 Mar 25, 2009 @ 11:29 am | delete
    I can't wait until my baby is old enough to cook with! I love this lens! 5 stars!
  • Mar 25, 2009 @ 10:31 am | delete
    even if i wans't cooking or doing something my mom always had me sitting next to the stove or standing on a stool stiring. I felt so important and part of the dinner making process. great lens
  • youanddave Mar 25, 2009 @ 9:30 am | delete
    Lotta fun stuff to digest! Terrific lens!
  • CarrieGeyer Mar 25, 2009 @ 8:00 am | delete
    Our latest adventure with kids cooking in the kitchen is "vegetarian". Our 13 year old is now trying it out and has taken responsibility for her diet and meals. It has been a lot of fun and very educational for all of us. Of course all the kids are chocoholics so there is never any problem getting them to bake with Dove Chocolate! I rate your lens 5 stars....nice photos of kids having fun and great content!! Carrie Geyer
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Mar 25, 2009 @ 6:29 am | delete
    My teenage boys are masterful in the kitchen. They can out cook their Dad. (My Mother-in-law would be pround.) Not only are they able to handle the tasks, when it is a dish they love they love making it. I feel like they are well equipped to look after themselves when they leave home.

    Great lens and congratulations on Lens of the Day!

    Brenda
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Mar 25, 2009 @ 4:35 am | delete
    When my kids were young, we spent a lot of time in the kitchen. It was fun.
    Thanks for sharing and congradulations on Lens of the Day
    Lizzy
  • Tracy-B Mar 25, 2009 @ 4:10 am | delete
    Cant wait until my little boy is old enough to do this with! Thanks, really cool lense!

    (@(_)@)
    -00--00-
  • familyman262 Mar 25, 2009 @ 12:17 am | delete
    the lord loves the kids so any good idea that involves them can only be a success...good job.
  • Swisstoons Mar 24, 2009 @ 11:03 pm | delete
    "When you cook, you need all five of your senses, and teaching through multi-sensory activity like cooking will almost ensure that your kids learn, whether you feel like you're 'teaching' or not." An excellent point. And the sense of accomplishment
    can't be underestimated either. I've 5-starred, favorited and lensrolled this one to my Laftovers Cartoon Kitchen Magnets lens. Hope you and your kids will stop by for a smile.
  • nekoneko Mar 24, 2009 @ 8:19 pm | delete
    really informative.. i keep it as one of me favourites!
  • nazlina Mar 24, 2009 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    Great lens! I cook with my kids too: Johan 11 and Johanna 6. It is truly a good time to bond. 5*.
  • ericsiversen Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    I could use these instructions as an adult, not just for kids here. Very helpful, thank you !!!
  • Senora_M Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:38 pm | delete
    Super cool lens! 5*s! I didn't really get taught how to cook, but I've learned a lot of stuff on the internet and on my own! I'll have to teach my kids!!
  • faye_durham Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:29 pm | delete
    Great information on teaching children how to cook and good tips for grown ups.

    Congrats on making the lens of the day.
  • CCGAL Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    Great Lens! Congratulations on a well deserved Lens of the Day! 5* !!!
  • TQ Mar 24, 2009 @ 4:55 pm | delete
    I have two new step children, cooking was a great way to get to know them and give them a bit of confidence. They are both overweight and learning to cook has been a good way to introduce them to better eating habits - substituting herbs and seasonings for fattier foods.
  • The_Health_Lady Mar 24, 2009 @ 4:35 pm | delete
    Great Lotd & deserving 5* lens. You cover so many different elements. Just wonderful- Congrats!
  • jillianbatting Mar 24, 2009 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    I'm so excited to get my 2 year old even more involved in the kitchen with me!
  • SolarFeline Mar 24, 2009 @ 1:43 pm | delete
    What a great lens. Totally love it and am so happy I came across it. My kids love to help out in the kitchen. Great insight - kudos!
  • alteredkat Mar 24, 2009 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens and LotD! 5*
    We are teaching our children earlier than we were taught and think it's beneficial to all! What a great idea!
  • MarinaKuperman Mar 24, 2009 @ 12:26 pm | delete
    Wow what a great lens, my son is such a finicky eater it's painful. i'm going to try the mac and cheese with him!!!!!!
    Thanks!
    I f'ed ya! 5, fan, fave:)
  • coollikeme Mar 24, 2009 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Teaching Your Kids To Cook and grown ups also!!! 5 stars!!
  • TopStyleTravel Mar 24, 2009 @ 11:41 am | delete
    Great lens on teaching children how to cook. 5 stars!!! Cooking teaches skills & creates memories that children never forget. Children can learn anything with patience, they are very capable. Childhood lasts only a short time & should be nurtured. Congrats on LOTD & the Top 100!
  • j_barnhart4 Mar 24, 2009 @ 11:04 am | delete
    This is a great lens. I think you covered everything. 5 *s from me!
  • AdriennePetersen Mar 24, 2009 @ 10:55 am | delete
    Great lens, I'll share some of your recipes with my grandchildren. 5 stars and congrats on LOTD!
  • kiwisoutback Mar 24, 2009 @ 9:24 am | delete
    I learned to cook at an old age, I wish I had someone who had taught me while I was younger. I t would've spared a lot of take out food! Great work and congratulation on LOTD!
  • d-artist Mar 24, 2009 @ 8:26 am | delete
    what a GREAT lens!...5*
  • electricitytips Mar 24, 2009 @ 8:20 am | delete
    Lovely lens. My husband and daughter have fun in the kitchen. I always complain when I look at the mess, but it is heartwarming when they prepare a dish and say "This is for you mom". It always changes everything.
    My daughter started helping out when she was 3 years old. Now she knows Indian cooking, which is pretty complicated. But she drives me nuts with put the mustard, and then the red chilli, then saute.
    But I am a proud mom :)
  • Pastiche Mar 24, 2009 @ 7:55 am | delete
    I love this lens - my kids started learning to cook when they were very young. Today my second-grader granddaughter loves learning to cook - she's even taking cooking lessons after school. And yes, caramelized onions are divine!
  • BooBooBear Mar 24, 2009 @ 7:45 am | delete
    I used to cook with my boys when they were little. Very fond memories. Nice lens. congrats on LotD.
  • jura Mar 24, 2009 @ 6:58 am | delete
    Great lens My son allso like to help ciikng and i like to cook so evry Sunday we cook as a family
  • RawBill Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:54 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD, great topic :-)
    I prefer to teach my kids to Uncook (prepare Raw Food dishes)

    Keep up the great work :-)
  • Wysiwigs Mar 24, 2009 @ 5:16 am | delete
    Fabulous lens with great ideas. I did not know how to cook when I got married (and didn't I just marry a man whose mother made everything from scratch??) I eventually learned, and I love it, but am definitely teaching my daughter how to cook and bake BEFORE she ties the knot :o) 5*
    Http://www.Squidoo.com/ConnieCrankpot
  • Mar 24, 2009 @ 4:46 am | delete
    Excellent!

    Five Stars *****

    Best wishes
    Marisa Angelis
    Artist Designer Writer Poet Philanthropist Humanitarian Promoter
    Four Nominations including "Australian of the Year 2003" Short List
  • spirituality Mar 24, 2009 @ 2:59 am | delete
    Congrats on making LOTD with this wonderful lens :)
  • chefkeem Mar 24, 2009 @ 12:56 am | delete
    Congratulations on your very well-deserved LotD honors, RG! This is a jewel of a lens, in many different ways. I had starred and blessed it before, so all I can add today are my best wishes again for this wonderful page. :-)
  • Joan4 Mar 23, 2009 @ 9:22 pm | delete
    Oh, this is fun! our granddaughter, age 6, loves to create what she calls "concoctions" - we mix all kinds of things!
  • Secret_mom_ny Mar 23, 2009 @ 8:43 pm | delete
    Great lens and very informative 5 star for you!
  • thrivingmom Mar 23, 2009 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    Bravo! I'm so glad you were honored with LOTD so you can get some exposure for this lens. I think it's so important to teach our kids how to cook. I am baffled by my friends that are moms and wives and don't cook at all and refuse to learn how. I've been cooking since I was 5. My mom made it something enjoyable instead of a chore.
  • OhMe Mar 23, 2009 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    Great lens. Maddie sure is a smart 3rd grader. I loved her story. Congrats on LOTD. Well deserved!
  • GrowWear Mar 23, 2009 @ 8:05 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful lens -- the story, the how-tos, the layout. Superb! Congratulations on LOTD :D
  • KimGiancaterino Mar 23, 2009 @ 7:22 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD!
  • Susan52 Mar 23, 2009 @ 6:58 pm | delete
    Some of my favorite memories involve my kids and the kitchen. Love the lens!
  • vbright105 Mar 23, 2009 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    What a great lens! Best one I've seen in a long time! My Son was learning to cook at the age of 3, my youngest daughter (15) still can't cook (I don't think she wants to :)
    Angel blessings for you.
  • KimGiancaterino Mar 19, 2009 @ 11:59 am | delete
    What a great lens... Maddie's short story was excellent too! My step-son (14) loves to help his father in the kitchen. Doubly messy, but everything always ends up tasting wonderful. Thanks for adding this to Culinary Favorites From A to Z.
  • Auntiekatkat Mar 14, 2009 @ 7:12 pm | delete
    Welcome to the the very best of Squidoo food lens. As a chef teaching your kids to cook is one of the best jobs as a parent.
  • Eric Mar 11, 2009 @ 5:09 am | delete
    I think teaching kids to cook is a wonderful idea. It amazes me how many people manage to reach adulthood without being able to cook anything that doesn't come from a box or can. Sure, not everyone needs to be a great chef, but I do think anyone benefits from being familiar with basic concepts and terms of cooking, knowing how to prepare at least a handful of dishes from raw ingredients, or being able to follow a recipe. And the younger you can start learning those things, the better.
  • Old Jack Feb 24, 2009 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Abe_Q expressed concern over teaching young children how to learn to cook, especially if they are using knives. If taught the proper way to hold a sharp knife when chopping and how to use curled fingers to guide the blade, I don't see any great problem. It's like teaching kids how to shuffle a deck of cards. Grandmas used to tech kids card games and many learned to do a riffle shuffle by an early age. If the child isn't given a chance at an early age, he or she may never bother to learn. Also, I maintain that the first three grades in school are the most important, as that is when the teacher can instill a desire to learn and they will, as a result, enjoy school/college/university. Just a few thought from an ood Grandpa.
  • jfield Feb 24, 2009 @ 2:57 pm | delete
    I used to have little 6 and 7 year old children w/emotional disturbances chopping up red onions and peppers for stir fry. I think that you can never start too early. Let them do and help as much as they are able--talk about teachable moments!
  • flighty02 Feb 24, 2009 @ 10:56 am | delete
    I like this lens, my daughter used to love to help out in the kitchen as a kid and now at the age of 24 she can turn out some pretty impressive dishes. Glad to welcome this lens to The Cooks Cafe group!
  • LisaKnowsTheSecret Feb 24, 2009 @ 9:00 am | delete
    I just popped by to take a look at your lens after reading your lovely comment on mine and I must say you've done a wonderful job on here. I've really enjoyed reading and it's great to see how other people spend quality time in the kitchen with their children. Definitely 5* from me!

    Lisa Marie
  • RinchenChodron Feb 23, 2009 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    This is a top notch lens 5* way to go! Thanks for the quality of the information and writing!
  • dagsmith Feb 23, 2009 @ 1:21 pm | delete
    Great start on squidoo! You might explore how search can benefit you. For example the header and subheader titles are important in getting traffic. Great content - great photos!
  • Abe_Q Feb 23, 2009 @ 11:56 am | delete
    this is a good lens...but i personally think it's dangerous for kids to start cooking at too early of an age...maybe when they're 13 or something they can start, i just can't imagine 6 or 7 year olds chopping up onions or something like that....
  • jfield Feb 23, 2009 @ 9:35 am | delete
    I love Maddie's article--you are raising a budding chef, Reluctant Gourmet! I taught for many years, and cooking was a great way for me to teach my kids on so many levels. Super lens:D
  • EverythingMouse Feb 22, 2009 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    A very warm welcome to Squidoo. You have made such an excellent start - continue to make such high quality lenses and you will go far here! Squid Angel Blessings to you
  • Terry416 Feb 22, 2009 @ 8:35 am | delete
    Great Lens. I'm going to have to work on some of my own cooking skills before I teach my kids. 5 stars.
  • chefkeem Feb 21, 2009 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    Maddie looks so precious with her over-sized chef hat! I'm sure that cooking with kids teaches them so much more than just the execution of a recipe - self-confidence, attention to detail, responsibility, the joy of creating... to name a few benefits. Fabulous lens, RG. 5*s and a SquidAngel Blessing. Hi, Maddie! :)

by

ReluctantGourmet

Hi Food Friends, over 12 years ago I decided "You have to eat, so why not learn to cook and eat well" so I started teaching myself how to cook. Frustr... more »

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