10 kitchen skills every 10-year-old should know (2024)

FAQs

What food can a 10 year old cook? ›

Pasta With Homemade Pesto

The simplicity is perfect for kids, and manual food processors are user-friendly. Because of the sharp blade, though, adults should supervise pouring ingredients in and handle scooping them out; your tween can handle the cranking when it's closed.

Start with an easy recipe. Even better, something the child really enjoys eating. Something like chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd pleaser and they can be shared, which is another great lesson! Read the recipe together from start to finish, then show your kids each of the cooking steps.

Cooking is an Essential Life Skill

There are many benefits for teens who know how to cook. They eat fewer fast food meals and eat more vegetables. Studies have shown that adolescents that cook have fewer incidences of depression.

Many can run, ride a bike, and enjoy activities that require a degree of physical conditioning. Continue to advance their fine motor skills, such as those needed for clearer handwriting and detailed artwork.

Ages 10-12:

Wash dishes – Washing the dishes lets your kids practice paying attention to detail. No one wants to eat from a dish with food residue on it, no matter how small. Help prepare food – Having them help you prepare lunch or dinner can make sure they know how to make at least a few simple meals.

Culinary talent is more than just cooking skills. It's also about creativity, passion, and adaptability. If you want to develop your culinary talent, you need to challenge yourself, learn from others, and experiment with new ideas. Here are some tips to help you grow as a chef and a culinary manager.

What Age Can You Teach Children to Crack an Egg? Children can learn how to crack an egg from as young as two or three years old. It's a great introduction to baking and encourages the whole family to get involved in the kitchen.

6- to 7-year-olds

Appropriate Tasks: Use a peeler to peel raw potatoes, ginger, mangoes and other washed fruits and vegetables. Break eggs into a bowl and remember to wash hands afterwards.

“In general, around kindergarten (age 5 or 6), a child should be able to pour milk and cereal for themselves. A slightly older child (age 7 or 8) could likely make toast or waffles in a toaster after being supervised initially,” Reshmi Basu M.D., a CHOC pediatrician, tells Romper.

With an adult supervising, a lot of kids start using the oven and stove at around age 12. By the time they are 14, most kids can use both the oven or stove on their own. But you need to have a parent's permission first. And it helps to know some general kitchen safety rules.

Is it OK for kids to cook? ›

Your child can start cooking as early as 18 months or 2 years old. Real cooking skills can be taught to toddlers, depending on the child's maturity and the parent's supervision. At Kids Cook Real Food^™, we teach bananas and butter knives, starting officially at age 2.

As a rule, a 16-18-month-old child might show some interest in a play kitchen for toddlers. Make sure to help them test their power of observation and imitation at their own pace: Infants are good at making dough. At the age of 1-2 months, parents should guide them through the process.

With an adult supervising, a 10-year old should be able to scramble eggs, stir fry vegetables or flip a pancake on an electric stovetop (you may want to wait longer if you have a gas range). Safety tip: Be sure to teach them to tie back long hair and never wear loose clothing around the stove. Prepare a sandwich.

“In general, around kindergarten (age 5 or 6), a child should be able to pour milk and cereal for themselves. A slightly older child (age 7 or 8) could likely make toast or waffles in a toaster after being supervised initially,” Reshmi Basu M.D., a CHOC pediatrician, tells Romper.

10-12 year olds and up

Once they pass a few of these “tests,” they can move onto basic tasks at the stove (stirring, making eggs) and oven, or using a chef's knife, without close adult supervision. However, it is recommended that there still be an adult in the house in case of emergency.

Your child can start cooking as early as 18 months or 2 years old. Real cooking skills can be taught to toddlers, depending on the child's maturity and the parent's supervision. At Kids Cook Real Food^™, we teach bananas and butter knives, starting officially at age 2.