Expert advice: At what age should parents teach children to cook?
Johannesburg chef Nozipho Mbatha shares why getting kids involved in the kitchen from an early age can help build confidence, independence and valuable life skills.
Parents and guardians play an important role in teaching children the skills they’ll need throughout life. From making the bed and tidying their room to taking responsibility for household chores, these everyday tasks help children become more independent.
Cooking is one of those essential life skills, but many parents are unsure when to introduce it. Should children only start learning as teenagers, or is it something they can begin much earlier?
According to Johannesburg chef Nozipho Mbatha, children can start helping in the kitchen from a young age with adult supervision.
“Parents can start teaching kids how to cook from an early age, especially to help around the kitchen, to collect things, take out the onions, peel or cut potatoes with supervision, and that kind of thing," says Mbatha.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends that children start participating in the kitchen as early as two years old and move towards cooking at nine, depending on their motor skills and maturity.
Essential life skill
Mbatha explains that involving children in meal preparation isn't only about teaching them how to cook.
"It's not only about the cooking, but cooking gives them a life skill and a survival skill. It teaches them to do things on their own and become independent," she says.
Mbatha believes many parents unintentionally hold their children back by assuming they aren't capable.
"Sometimes we want to coddle the kids, thinking they're not capable or they're not ready."
Instead, she encourages parents to supervise closely in the beginning before gradually giving children more responsibility.
"Obviously you're going to monitor what they do, how they do it and when they do it. It’s not just about cooking meals - it's about teaching a life skill."
Easy meals
As children gain confidence, they can begin preparing simple meals that don't require complicated cooking techniques.
Mbatha recommends starting with:
- Toasted sandwiches
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Rice
- Pasta
- Mince dishes
"I'm talking from experience because these are some of the things my kids also do. They were keen to learn in the kitchen, and these are simple meals that they enjoy making."
How parents can encourage young cooks
For children who show a natural interest in cooking, Mbatha says parents should nurture that curiosity by introducing them to easy recipes. Thanks to the internet, there are thousands of beginner-friendly recipes that children can follow at home.
"Parents can download simple recipes for kids, and it’s nice for kids to follow recipes."
She adds that cooking also strengthens skills that children use at school.
"When they follow a recipe, they have to read and follow instructions. Three cups of this, one cup of that, one tablespoon of that. By doing that, you're sharpening skills they'll use in school and in life because they learn to follow instructions."
As children's confidence grows, they can eventually move beyond recipes and begin experimenting with flavours and techniques on their own.
For Mbatha, the biggest lesson isn’t simply learning to cook; it's giving children the confidence, independence and practical skills they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
@versatile_beatrice Pernille making noodles and cutting veggies #kidscooking #cookingwithkids #noodles #familymoments #homecooking ♬ original sound - Versatile_Beatrice🌸
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