Baking with Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”At What Age Should A Child Start to Cook & Bake?” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]From a young age, kids love to “help” in the kitchen. They enjoy watching their parents and trying to model them, to be just like Mommy or Daddy. With age comes added abilities, and different skills. Your little ones can certainly help in the kitchen, but will be unable to do a lot of things that older kids find it easy to do. Here is a guide on what your kids can help within the kitchen, by age group.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Under 2″ title_align=”separator_align_left”][vc_column_text]Toddlers as young as 18 months or even younger love to be in the kitchen. They will open every drawer and pull out every pot and pan while you are not looking. A great way to ensure their safety and give yourself a break is to set them up with a task that is easy for them to do, and let them be your little helper. Kitchen safety is important, so make sure any heavy, sharp, or hot objects are out of their reach, all drawers are closed, and there is nothing that they can grab. Then, set them up at the table with something that they can mix or play with, like dough. They can use shapes to cut out the dough, and you can keep an eye on them while doing other stuff.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”2-5″ title_align=”separator_align_left”][vc_column_text]Children from the ages of 2 to 5 are just learning about the world around them. They are engaging with their senses, and this is a great time to introduce them to new smells, textures, and tastes. When baking, you can let them taste the ingredients before adding them to the bowl, or smell spices like cinnamon. Talk to them about what flour feels like to the touch, or how butter is squishy when mashed between your fingers. When cooking with kids there is a lot of opportunities to explore and learn new things. Preschoolers can help wash fruits and vegetables, and cut them with a plastic knife. Here is a great opportunity to teach them about knife safety, and what will happen if they play with sharp knives.

They can also help knead dough, or pour ingredients into the bowl and mix them. They can help shape cookies and put them on the tray. Baking boxes are a great option for young kids who want to get started with baking, as it makes it simple and fun without a lot of steps.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”6-8″ title_align=”separator_align_left”][vc_column_text]Young school-age children are already learning how to read, and gaining basic math skills. They can be in charge of their own recipe, with you supervising them and assisting when needed. They can use a baking box, and follow the instructions; be prepared to step in if they get off track. Kids at this age can also crack eggs, sift flour, and grease and line pans.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”9-11″ title_align=”separator_align_left”][vc_column_text]Tweens have a greater ability to do more in the kitchen, and at this age they can be trusted to work independently. Go over the basic kitchen safety and knife safety rules with them, and step back to let them create. They can find the ingredients they need, put things into the oven, (remind them to use mitts), and use small paring knives for cutting. As independent as they are, you should still monitor them as minor burns and cuts can occur when they are not careful. Baking kits are also great at this age, as tweens can easily follow instructions and you can trust them to do it on their own.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27018″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Baking Basics” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]When it comes to baking with children, the lessons begin way before any ingredients hit the bowl. The most important baking 101 tip you can learn is ‘mise en place’, which is French for, everything in its place. Preparation is key to having a great baking experience. Using high-quality ingredients and remembering to preheat the oven is only part of the preparation when baking with kids. It is important to bake when you have time, and to be flexible and patient. Know that there will be messes, and you may have to clean up after your helpers. But children can help as much as they are able.

If there are multiple children participating, discuss the different roles, and who will do what. Assign each child a job, from measuring to pouring and mixing. This will help alleviate arguments as everyone wants to help. Next, go over the recipe and discuss what you will be making, what ingredients you will need and the steps you will have to follow. Being prepared is the recipe for any successful baking activity.

Baking for beginners can be fun and easy, and is a great way to foster teamwork. A Baking kit like the Birthday Cake kit is fun for kids to do together, and can be enjoyed by all. Teach your children the importance of washing hands before touching food, and how to clean up before and after baking. Have them grab the ingredients and set them out before you start, so you’ll have them when you’re ready. Talk about substitutions you can use when you are missing an ingredient, or when needed for any food allergies and sensitivities.

Teach them about food safety, how to tell if something is rotten or spoiled, and how to keep their workspace clean. It is also important that they wear aprons, both to protect them from any hot liquids, and for basic hygiene. Talk about Safety First: the dangers of running in the kitchen, touching a hot oven, or handling sharp objects like knives.

This is a great time to explore and ask questions. Talk about what baking soda and baking powder do to a recipe, and what happens if you add too much or too little. Show them how to incorporate dry ingredients into the wet, and to add flour if the dough is too sticky. Science and math come alive. The main thing is to have fun, and turn it into a learning experience![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27019″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Benefits of Baking with Children” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Baking is not just about the yummy treat you’ll have at the end, but about the steps you take to get there. Baking helps kids be present and improves focus, by paying attention to the task at hand. Another great benefit is teaching kids about giving. When they bake for others or share cookies with friends, they are using their self-expression and sharing their feelings. When you let them help, kids will ask to help more and will feel involved. They will learn how to make new recipes and become more responsible. The benefits of baking with kids are endless. [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Making Baking Easy & Fun” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Kids love to bake because they want to be just like you. If you are a parent who finds baking with kids to be stressful, you’re not alone. Many parents get frustrated when kids get involved, and they find it easier to just do it themselves. Kids will make mistakes and add ingredients before you are ready, or drop an egg on the floor or get flour all over the counter. But you can have fun baking with kids. And it will help strengthen your relationship, and give kids the confidence to explore more in the kitchen, and eventually surprise you with their own dish they made! And it all starts with your example.

Invest in a chef’s apron and hat and a set of kitchen utensils for kids. They will be thrilled to be a real chef. We have so many baking boxes to choose from, which provides easy baking for kids and lots of recipes and activities to keep them busy. Baking really can be easy and fun, with just the right formula.

Happy Baking![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]