You can your child help you cook from the time he is very steady on his feet and can feed himself. His motor skills might still be a bit clumsy, but there is plenty he can do. It is also a great way to encourage a fussy eater to eat. A fun activity for kids that you all can enjoy.

Choose an occasion when you have plenty time to oversee everything, especially if you want him to cut things.

Make sure you are not stressed and can take the time needed for you both to do this calmly without you rushing through it all.

Choose from a few easy dishes listed below, and have all ingredients available in front of you before you start.

If you don’t have aprons, tie a kitchen towel with a bit of string around his waist or under his arms. Start by washing your hands and letting him wash the vegetables.

Using a knife

With plenty of supervision, even a small child will be able to use a knife to cut up softer vegetables like potatoes. Let him cut the vegetables beside you by the counter or sitting by the table. You can start off by holding his hand and the knife, showing him how he should cut and hold the vegetable so his fingers are safe. Avoid the harder vegetables like carrots which can make the knife slip. This can teach him care, patience and concentration. Show him the edge, let him feel the sharpness and explain why he needs to be careful. Never let him move away, climb or walk with the knife, and always supervise your child intently when he holds a knife.

Make sure to sample raw vegetables and explain where they come from and how they grow.

By the cooker

If you feel comfortable enough to have your child near the cooker, let him stand beside you, slightly sideways and away from the cooker. He should be close enough to be able to add in the vegetable and spices, but far enough so he doesn't easily brush against the pot or pan with his body. Again it is important to, under strict supervision, let him near the dangerous areas and explain why he needs to be careful.

Avoid having your child by the cooker when you are frying something at high heat, it is very difficult to protect your child from the hot oil that might spatter from the pan.

Ideal meals for kids:

Burgers – he’ll love mixing the mince and making the burgers.

Stews – he can cut potatoes, put the vegetables into the pot and stir.

Spagetti Bolognese – he can stir the pot and add the spices to the bolognese.

Don’t be afraid to

• Let him stir the pots. Teach him about heat, pots and cooker, the same way you would about the open fire. Use a steel net protector for the frying pan.

• Let him use a knife. Hold his hand and the vegetables the first few times. Teach him about the sharp edge by letting him touch the sharp end of the knife with his finger.

• Let him choose spices he likes. Let him smell and taste the different spices you have in the cupboard and tell him a bit about them.