Does unleashing a couple of bright eyed and sticky fingered kids among whirring blender blades, chef’s knives and fiery hot elements sound like a bad idea? No one said cooking with kids would be uneventful, but it needn’t be avoided. Here are 5 tips for time in the kitchen with kids.

1. Wash hands
Getting kids to wash their hands before cooking is a must (who knows what they have been touching, right?). Buy some hand-friendly soap for the kitchen sink  and remember to wash again after handling raw meat.

2. Be wise, apron-ise
Kids love miniature versions of whatever big people have. Investing in a kids apron will give your little person a sense of ownership, importance and legitimacy in the kitchen. It will also keep them clean, bonus.

3. Supervise wisely
Kids can do a lot more than we think. Sharp paring knives – handled well and with sound initial training – pose no threat to little people with adequate motor skills. Be sure to step in when they need it and keep watch when boiling water, high speed appliances and heat sources are required. A bad experience in the kitchen can put a person off cooking for a while and just a cup of water can burn a considerable (and even life threatening) area of skin.

4. Get a step
Getting a step or block for your kid to stand on might improve their tool handling experience. If they are constantly straining to reach the counter, their arms will tire a lot sooner than if they are well placed at the right height.

5. Let the good times roll
There are times for being outdoors, there are times for being quiet and then there are times to let loose. Counters and floors can be wiped clean, chocolate covered faces can be made right at bath time and a little mess in the kitchen is a healthy thing. Set good boundaries for your little people then let them play with abandon.

With some fun times in the kitchen under their belts, easy to follow recipes and some inspiring ingredients and kitchen gear your little people might be making you breakfast in bed sooner than you think.

Good times. Check out some of our kid-friendly Minichefs recipes.