what age would you consider letting your kid start cooking?

Question

why

Answer 1

***WELL I WOULD LET MY CHILD START HELPING ME IN THE KITCHEN AT A YOUNG AGE, BUT AS FAR AS USING THE STOVE IS CONCERNED, I WOULD WAIT UNTIL THE CHILD WAS AT LEAST 12, BECAUSE I WOULD WANT TO KNOW THAT THE CHILD IS MARURE ENOUGH TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING THE STOVE CORRECTLY.***

Answer 2

By the time I was nine years old I was chief cook and bottle washer for a family of eight. I did the shopping too. I'm not talking Hamburger helper either. I was cooking spagetti, roasts, beans and rice, beef stew, whatever I could do on the daily budget I received from dad to round out the groceries we already had at home. Both my parents worked. We were latch key kids. I shopped at a local mom and pop grocery that had a full meat counter and deli around the corner. I even made dessert. In those days we always had dessert with dinner.
I managed to cook dinner, do my homework and still play outside before it got dark. I learned how to "simmer" things on a gas stove and be responsible. I had my share of burns from the oven, but nothing serious. We rarely ate much fried food. On the weekends my parents took over the cooking. I am still the best cook I know and certainly the best in my family.
Funny how technologically advanced we are and how little children today can do at the same age I was then, without all the "advantages" they have now. Very funny indeed.

Answer 3

Well, I would recommend you try to get your kids to be active in the kitchen at a young age. This doesn't mean cooking a lasagna; but, get your kids to start with simple things such as toast with butter, cereal with milk, or microwaved grilled cheese sandwiches. This could be taught at an age as young as 5. Although trying to get your kids to cook full blown meals (such as an omelet or pasta) should not be taught until they are at least 13 and have a good understanding of proper kitchen use and safety. Getting your kid in a home EC or "foods" class is usually good way to learn safety. Although every child is different and will be ready at different ages. The general rule is to start easy to increase your child's comfort in the kitchen and increase the difficulty of the meals from there.

Answer 4

let them start 'helping' at 2 or 3.
add things a little at a time.
at first of course they help with parts that don't involve hot stuff or knives or careful measuring (like stirring or putting something in a bowl)-later dropping cookies on the cookie sheet etc, pressing the button on the blender).
later they can measure. later they can cut. and even use fire when they are tall enough to see over the top of the pot.
but not start cooking all at once. teach them a little at a time.
supervise until you are sure they can do it on their own.
build up by working with them so you know their abilities and what they can do. they can wash dishes and clean up too (which is part of cooking). so start there. my daughter was baking complex tortes by the time she was 12 and making stuffed manicotti and roast beef with vegetables. but she had a strong interest.

Answer 5

We started simple cooking (scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, etc.) at age 8 and progressed as they grew.
At this age they are tall enough to work at the stove without getting hurt. Also, they are old enough to listen and remember what they are told.
My kids are 16 and 11. Both can cook a full meal on their own.

Answer 6

Supervised when they are capable. I started teaching my stepdaughters how to cook 2 years ago. I showed them how to scramble eggs on the stove and cook bacon in the microwave. They were 6 and 10 at the time. I think that it is important that kids know how to cook. If they like helping they will be more likely to eat healthy.

Answer 7

My son started at 14 years old he is 17 now.Because he is an awesome kid.My daughter can cook a gumbo from scratch that is out of this world and she's only 13.I believe that both girls and boys should know how to take care of themselves and not depend on others.

Answer 8

I think kids can start cooking at age 9 or 10 with supervision. Myself and my siblings started around that age. Our mom taught us.

Answer 9

Under supervision,you could start teaching children to cook simple things as early as age 8.

Answer 10

My brother and sister are 6 and 7. They both understand the concept of fire and what you should/shouldnt put in your mouth, so occasionally we let them help us in the kitchen. As long as your children understand safety in the kitchen and will listen to your commands, let em cook! They make great pancakes!

Answer 11

i let my son start out with the microwave at 9 and now i let him HELP me cook on the stove at 12.