hering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or addingingredients. Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharpinstruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Someparents start teaching their children to cook by showing themhow to make things that don't require cooking first, and thengraduating to letting them make food in the microwave. Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kidsto cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning tocook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few dishes.It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not drudgery,although there are certain responsibilities that go along withthe privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along, and leavingthe kitchen clean when you're finished. Start with the basics. Show your kids what the differentutensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach ...

...themabout herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients for theright dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions andchemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're learningwhile they're having fun! Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks forkids on the market today, that include step-by-step instructionsand pictures so kids can see what something's supposed to looklike while they're assembling the recipe...let success build onsuccess. Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook morecomplicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning -- andcooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan themeal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them torealize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking. As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods fromdifferent cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes orItalian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids willdevelop an appreciation for many different kinds of food. Especially for younger children, having tools that are their ownsize not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for themto participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at manydepartment or specialty stores. Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize itnow, but you're making memories that someday will be asdelicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're bakingnow!...