Kids should be familiar with all parts of the kitchen, and be able to feed themselves without fear of burning the house down. It’s also important to show them that there is more to mealtime than setting, clearing, and washing the dishes. The best way to make that happen is to start them early.

Most cooking courses for kids teach “kid food,” like pizza and cookies. It’s fun for them, but it does not teach them how to really cook for themselves. These courses concentrate on recipes, and ignore personal taste. When a parent does the teaching, the lessons are tailored to the student, and the mini chef will be better able to explore his own creativity in the kitchen, which is where all the fun is.

An easy place to start your cooking lessons is at breakfast. Breakfast meals are usually fairly simple to prepare, they have few ingredients, and they can be enjoyed right away.

Cereal is a no-brainer, but there are still things to learn, such as serving the correct portion, pouring milk without spilling, and the proper way to clean up spilt milk. Don’t forget to show the proper way to store food to keep it fresh.

Lunch, too, is another good starting point. Sandwiches are simple, but cutting up fruit and vegetables may take some training, not to mention packing things properly to keep them fresh and spill-proof.

In the winter months, a batch of homemade soup in a thermos will be the envy of the playground. Kids are much more likely to eat a lunch they pack themselves.

Dinnertime is family time, and it is a great time to get everyone together. Basic helping skills will grow into preparation of a course, and eventually an entire meal. While holidays and special events often see families cooking together, making it an everyday event prolongs the daily together time and provides an opportunity not just for culinary training, but also for broader “quality-time” discussions.