Cook a Meal

Getting children involved in cooking is a fantastic way to build confidence, introduce basic kitchen skills and spend meaningful time together.

With a little preparation, even younger children can help measure, mix, stir or arrange ingredients, while older kids can take on more responsibility as they grow.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about having fun, trying new things, and creating something you can enjoy together at the table afterwards. Plus, children are often more open to trying new foods when they’ve helped to make them!

Materials Needed

• Ingredients for your chosen meal (see meal ideas below)
• Apron or old clothes
• Cleaning cloths or wipes for quick tidy-ups

Tools Needed

• Basic kitchen utensils (mixing bowl, spoons, knives, chopping board, pans etc.)
• Adult supervision and help for any cutting, heat or sharp tools

Steps

1. Pick a Recipe Together
   Choose something simple, safe and age-appropriate that your child is excited to make (see ideas below).
2. Set Up the Kitchen
   Get all ingredients and tools ready. Assign child-friendly tasks depending on age and confidence.
3. Cook as a Team
   Support your child while they measure, mix, pour, stir, or assemble.
4. Serve and Enjoy
   Celebrate the meal you’ve made together. Let your child take pride in helping to cook.
5. Tidy Up Together
   Involve children in the clean-up as part of the process.

Easy Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas

• Wraps or Sandwiches: Let kids fill wraps with ham, cheese, salad, hummus, or even banana and peanut butter.
• Homemade Pizza: Use shop-bought bases or pitta bread. Children can spread sauce and add their own toppings.
• Pasta and Sauce: Let kids stir the sauce, sprinkle cheese, or choose veggies to stir through cooked pasta.
• Fruit Salad: Kids can help peel, chop soft fruit (with supervision), and mix everything together.
• Omelettes: Older children can beat eggs, add fillings, and help carefully cook with support.
• DIY Nachos: Arrange tortilla chips, grated cheese and toppings on a tray and bake.
• Quesadillas: Simple cheese and ham quesadillas can be assembled by kids and cooked by adults.
• Mini Burgers: Let kids help shape burger patties or assemble buns with toppings.
• Breakfast Bowls: Layer yoghurt, fruit, granola or cereals for an easy, nutritious option.

Variations

• Theme Nights: Have a ‘Mexican night’ or ‘Breakfast-for-Dinner’ night and plan a few simple dishes together.
• Chef’s Hat: Let kids wear a chef’s hat or apron to feel extra involved.
• Decorate the Table: Get creative with folded napkins, placemats or table decorations made by the kids.
• Recipe Book: Start a family cooking journal where your child can write or draw the meals they’ve helped make.

Safety Tips

• Always supervise children when using knives, heat or sharp tools.
• Use age-appropriate utensils (e.g. child-safe knives for younger children).
• Teach safe hand washing, hygiene, and basic kitchen safety rules from the start.
• Keep pan handles turned inward and hot surfaces well out of reach of younger children.