

How to embrace the mess and teach your kids to cook
55 snips Jul 24, 2025
David Nayfeld, a professional chef and author of 'Dad, What's for Dinner?', shares insights on the joys of cooking with kids. He emphasizes that, while cooking can get messy, it's an invaluable way to forge family bonds and create memorable experiences. Nayfeld offers easy weeknight recipes and cooking tasks suitable for children of all ages. He encourages parents to let go of perfectionism and embrace a playful approach, making the kitchen a space for creativity and connection.
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Early Cooking Memories
- David Nayfeld shared his first cooking experience at age eight, making fried chicken that was initially raw.
- His family supported him by finishing the cooking, highlighting the learning process in cooking with kids.
Start Kids Cooking Young
- Start involving children in cooking from a very young age, allowing them to safely handle tasks under supervision.
- Gradually increase their responsibilities as they gain skills, like stirring or grating cheese carefully.
Safety Levels for Kid Tasks
- Categorize cooking tasks by risk level to safely involve kids, from no risk (herb picking) to controlled risk (using a peeler) to higher risk (using a mixer or chopping onions).
- Tailor tasks to your child’s age, height, and dexterity for safety and confidence.