Planning

• Before entering the kitchen, it's important for the adult to consider what foods could be prepared. The child will take pleasure in choosing what to cook, but it's a good idea for the adult to have considered what ingredients are available and economical, what is fun, easy and nutritious and what would be feasible for the adult to supervise, before presenting the options to the child.
  
  Pick a time when you are not in a rush, and you have plenty of time your hands. A mess is guaranteed to be made, and it may take some time for the child to perform the same skills an adult has already mastered.
  
  

Before Cooking

• When cooking with a child, it's important to start at the beginning. After deciding what to prepare, consider taking the child to the grocery store to shop for the breakfast items. Teach them how to choose ingredients or choose between brands.
  
  Before cooking, it's important to teach the child about hygiene and cleanliness--have her wash her hands, tie her hair back if it is longer and wear an apron. Lay out the ingredients and make any other necessary preparations.
  
  

An Educational Opportunity

• Show the child the equipment and ingredients that will be used. For example, explain what measuring cups are used for and how two 1/4 cups make one 1/2 cup. Discuss what foods contain protein and carbohydrates, or are good sources of vitamin C and calcium. Explain why these nutrients are essential for healthy bodies. Have the child read through the recipe before beginning to cook. Not only is this important to do before cooking, it also enhances the child's reading skills.
  
  Also, teach the child proper cooking practices, such as how to use a knife and to be careful around a hot stove.
  
  

Structure

• Let the child know the rules for the kitchen, and be sure to enforce them. Such rules may include no toys in the kitchen, everyone helps clean up and that the family doesn't always cook together--there may be special times reserved for this.
  
  Determine what cooking tasks are ideal for which children. One child may be old enough to help slice a banana, while another may only be old enough to help pour milk and or help turn cooking pancakes.
  
  Remember children learn quickly, and with regular practice may master a new cooking skill every week or two. Allow for this when making cooking assignments.
  
  

Have Fun

• Remember to have a good time when making breakfast. Laugh and enjoy each other's company. Most of all, have fun with food. Instead of the usual round pancakes, make Mickey Mouse pancakes, or find fun new names for old favorites. Michelle Thompson suggests renaming banana smoothies "Ape Shakes."