The best way to teach kids about healthy eating is to invite them into the kitchen to cook healthy meals together. Cooking is a valuable life skill that teaches children about proper nutrition and food safety, as well as developing math, science, literacy and fine motor skills.

Encourage your child’s interest and excitement in healthy food by teaching them how to cook safely with this age-appropriate kitchen cooking guide. Before entering the kitchen, first introduce the children to the basic rules: Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after handling food. Keep long hair off your shoulders. Keep countertops and work surfaces clean. Teach children to wait until food is cooked before tasting it. Do not let them lick their fingers or put their hands in their mouths, especially when handling raw foods such as cookie dough, raw meat, or poultry.

Avoid double dipping or lowering the spoon back into your food after you’ve used it for tasting. Remember, young chefs need supervision.
Follow four simple steps: Wash hands, surfaces and kitchen utensils.
Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from cooked and other ready-to-eat foods. Cook to the right temperature. Refrigerate quickly to 40°F or below. These basics are a useful guide for children and adults of all ages.