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READ ALOUD
Briefly explain the dish and read the recipe ingredients and steps to the troops before you begin.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Divvy up the requisite prep tasks—such as washing, mixing, grating and chopping—according to kids’ ages.
BE A MODEL MIXER
Children learn from watching, so avoid risky shortcuts. If you bend too close to the food processor, or toss the knife into soapy water, they’re more likely to do the same.
FEED THE HELP
Have some snacks along the way—kids of almost any age get impatient and want to eat what you’re making before you’ve cooked it.
RELINQUISH CREATIVE CONTROL
Avoid getting too hyper about drips and dribbles. You don’t want to chip away at your budding chef’s culinary confidence.
BE TIME SENSITIVE
Reset your adult time clock. Things take longer when small, eager hands are involved.
LAUGH IT OFF
It’s important for parents to try to let go of any perfectionism and keep the focus on the fun.
Adapted from Kitchen Playdates by Lauren Bank Deen (Chronicle, $25).
