Before you pull up your sleeves to teach your little one, ensure the following tips are instilled in their growing minds

1. Wash your hands! Make sure every child washes his/her hands before cooking. It's never too early to instill good sanitary habits!
2. Select recipes carefully. Both the age and ability of your children should be considered when choosing a recipe.
3. Plan things ahead of time. Get the ingredients and necessary utensils ready before the kids are in the kitchen to keep them from getting bored.
4. Demonstrate proper use of utensils, especially knives. Teach children to always cut away from themselves.
5. Even seemingly harmless utensils like plastic knives and toothpicks can become dangerous weapons in the hands of an unwary child. Always supervise closely and offer help when its necessary to ensure safety.
6. Praise any creation. Every small attempt by the kid is worthy of praise. So appreciate him even though his cucumber slices may not be even and his roti may look like amoeba. Remember that it's holiday tradition you're creating, not a gourmet feast.