Cooking together can be fun, especially when it’s done safely. Stoves and ovens are hot. Knives have sharp edges. While many kitchen utensils and appliances are for adults’ use only, it is especially important to talk with your child about kitchen safety.

There are many opportunities to introduce concepts to your child such as “hot” and “cold,” and why a sharp knife will cut your finger and a rubber spatula won’t. Depending on your comfort level and your child’s interest, you can still show your child what it feels like to zest an orange, for example, even though the grater has sharp edges. By inviting your child to place their hands on top of yours, your child can feel how your hands move up and down over the grater.

While you cook cranberries over a hot stove, you can allow your child to watch. Explain what you’re doing so your child doesn’t miss out on any steps in the process. “The saucepan with the cranberries goes on the stovetop.” “I turned the stove on – it needs to be HOT to cook the cranberries.” “I’m stirring the cranberries so they don’t burn!” Describe to your child what’s happening as the hard berries magically turn into a thick sauce.

Consider using an assortment of glass, stainless steel, or wooden bowls for mixing as their characteristics offer many pleasing sensory qualities – glass bowls are heavy and stainless steel makes a fun sound when tapped with a spoon. If plastic bowls are more practical for you to use, try stirring with a metal or wooden spoon for a varied tactile experience. Measuring cups and spoons offer wonderful opportunities for scooping, filling, and pouring. Squirting liquids out of squeeze bottles is also fun! Talk about each utensils’ qualities and what they are being used for. A spoon has a “bowl” and a “handle” for scooping and stirring; a spatula is flat for scraping. Introduce new things slowly and pay attention to your child’s cues.

Don’t force your child to touch any of the utensils or the ingredients in a recipe. Foods can be mixed in a plastic bag to help your child feel more comfortable squishing the ingredients together. You may not complete a whole recipe together but there’s value in your child spending time with you in the kitchen – even just banging a pot with a spoon!

Finally, have fun! It’s OK to get messy. That’s what aprons and drop cloths are for.