By Yummy

Re: Start them Young...
12 May 2008 12:26

I don't think that children can ever be too young (with parental guidance) to discover the joys of cooking.
I remember standing on a chair to help my Nanny to make pastry and beat the mixture for fairy cakes.
DQ has kindly placed a pic of my grand-daughter Ruby (21 months) and her first cakes made with the help of her Daddy (my son) onto the Picasa Recipe site.
So to all young Mums, and Young Grand-mums too, put their pinnys on and get them cooking !
Delia, I think you had better watch out , there is a whole new generation on its way, but then again I think you have a lot to be thanked for that !!

Yummy

Replies

By jeni_hope

Re: Start them Young...
12 May 2008 12:32

Lovely photo Yummy Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!
I used to have my son's help breadmaking when he was a toddler - and we still sometimes make cakes together - he does the hard work and I offer 'helpful' advice.

By Cinnamon

Re: Start them Young...
12 May 2008 12:40

Beautiful picture, what a cutie! And a lovely name too. Bet she had fun doing this, she looks so happy.

By Jo Hill, Editor

Re: Start them Young...
13 May 2008 06:10

Not all children like cooking! My mother died when I was 6 and my grandparents lived 150 miles away, so cooking with mother or grandmother wasn't an option for me, yet I am an avid and (pretty competent) cook. My children - despite my encouragement over the years - have shown practically no inclination to cook with me or learn about cooking. I hope, though, that it will come as it's an invaluable life skill. Not all children are the same... my daughter (9) will make cheesy caterpillars sometimes, and makes mean scrambled eggs. My son (12) is dyslexic so the idea of reading a recipe is hellish to him, but he invents wonderful caramelised apples, smoothies, etc and is the most adventurous eater I know. Like any other 'joys' in life, it's surely better to allow these things to develop naturally - which may happen at 15 not 5.

By Yummy

Re: Start them Young...
13 May 2008 07:56

I agree Jo, but there is no harm is introducing them to something which will develop later in life. My son is an avid cook loves to be creating his own dishes and really enjoys being in the kitchen. My daughter on the other hand hates all the " faffing " about as she calls it and would prefer to use a prepared sauce and let someone else do the prep etc for her. So they will all eventually find naturally what their preference is, prime example of Nurture or Nature I suppose .
Yummy