Would you let 7 year old cook?

[HattyHats]

He wants make chilli for dinner. He'd obviously be supervised. Is it too young though? Me and DH don't quite agree.

Oh yeah why not? Supervised of course. What a wonderful idea.

I am impressed that you are teaching your SON how to cook. Kudos to you.

Sorry if that sounds condescending!

Not too young as long as supervised.

I don't think that's too young at all.

Yes, of course, if under strict supervision. It's a great age to start to learn.

Of course not. As long as you’re supervising. Mine have always ‘helped’ in the kitchen. The 10 year old is confident enough to do her own thing now (not a massive repertoire but as long as you’re happy with cookies and eggy bread for dinner, you’re golden!)

Absolutely fine.

Yes, of course. How lovely that he wants to cook.

Of course!

He’s being supervised, why would you say he’s too young?

My 2 year old “cooks” with supervision ... u just adjust the amount of supervision required to fit the age surely?! Not sure how this is a q that needs to be asked?!

My 7yo is a very competent helper in the kitchen and can make all sorts under supervision. As can 9yo.

They learn through practice.

As long as there is supervision, I don't see why not.

It's actually a useful skill, and you'll be glad of an additional person on the cooking rota in later years, oonce you're happy about their capabilities.

I started teaching mine to do simple stuff around the age of five, and they are comfortable at handling kitchen knives by the age of 10.

IMO, the best way of keeping kids safe in the kitchen is teaching them to cook, because you're teaching respect for the processes as you go. When we had playdates, I was always more worried about their friends being in the kitchen because their behaviour showed clearly that they didn't have respect for how dangerous a kitchen could be.

OP, let him cook, it's great to catch their interest at young age.

Yes with supervision and lots of positive praise when you eat their food,

My dd (8) makes vegetable curry, omelettes and soup and has for over a year. I supervise by being in the kitchen. She used a mini chopper for onions so only slices them into quarters then used the chopper. If he's keen then let him have a go! It's good to prepare them for the future :)

Of course, why on earth not?

DD has been "helping" to a some degree in the kitchen since she was 3, now almost 8. Obviously there was a lot more mess back then but at 7 she baked me a cake for my birthday (I put it in the oven but she did everything else). She helps make dinners, stirs pots etc, pours the batter on for pancakes...

Your DS should be fine helping to chop and stir.

What is the reason for whichever one of you saying he is too young?

Yes absolutely, fantastic confidence boost. Gently guide and supervise closely.

Mine were helping as toddlers and now I have budding chefs at home. All mine knew how to choose fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy by primary school.
My 14 year old sharpens all the kitchen knives and yes, he is very competent and careful.

It's a lovely skill to help them acquire. Huge confidence boost. The important thing is to be affirming, gentle and logical.
There is no wrong way, only safer ways, lead by example.

If you have Amazon prime watch some MasterChef junior. It will amaze you at what kids can do in the kitchen. (8-12 year olds in that show).

DH says he's worried about him being near the hob mainly. DS has already made lunches with me when DH is at work without issue and is very competent at making scrambled egg etc. I had never thought of it before but just wanted to check I wasn't doing anything unsafe. He's also good at chopping veg etc which I think also makes DH nervous.

I should clarify mine are 20 and 17 now, the youngest got a grade 8 for his Food Tech exam last year. (He got almost full marks in his practical exam last year, which was just before lockdown.)

They both cook, which is nice for me as a single parent. DS does a mean curry.

Absolutely, can't see any problem if they are supervised. The three year old I look after can cook herself scrambled eggs and toast for her lunch (obviously with supervision near the hob and toaster)

Definitely! My DD is just 5, and it's her job to make scrambled eggs (and they are better than mine!)

She loves cooking, and she always helps out. In fact we're making Pizza for tea, and I'll let her have a go at chopping an onion - obviously under very close supervision.

Yes I would and have done. Always found cooking a great thing for kids to do and I love to cook with them. Enormous bonding to be had by making cakes together. I did that with my mum and my nan and it is some of my happiest memories. Be prepared for a bit of a mess and gently point them in the direction of tidying up as well, which as we all know is just as important...

Of course. Have you seen Junior Masterchef? Some of those kids are 9 and have been cooking for years. Encourage his interest and sit back glowing in the knowledge you are creating a. less shit for you to have to do and b. a catch.

I love cooking, find it quite therapeutic and take pride in being good at it but there’s something dreamy about a man who can cook you a good meal. I say that as someone who didn’t marry one lol. I’m hellbent on making sure my kids won’t leave for college without a decent cooking repertoire.

Yep, definitely old enough with supervision.🙂