Learning to cook can be hugely valuable for children. It can be used to teach academic subjects such as math and reading. Research has shown links between learning cooking skills at younger ages and more positive dietary patterns in adulthood, such as consuming less fried food and takeaways and eating more fruit, as well as having a greater interest in eating healthily. Children who learn their cooking skills at younger ages retain these skills as adults. What’s more, cooking may help them develop motor skills—the controlled movement and coordination of the limbs and hands. But parents often worry about the safety of involving their children in the kitchen. To help ease this fear, we have developed age-appropriate recommendations for children by breaking down cooking skills into the developmental skills needed to complete each task. The Importance of Risk While child safety is key, research has shown that some elements of …