Cooking with Kids - The Value of Teaching Kids to Cook Kids learning to cook is a vital and healthy part of growing up. I've had my boys in the kitchen since they were toddlers, and put them to work at an early age. Initially, I would start out keeping it simple and easy. Things that use few ingredients and are one-dish meals are good to begin with for young cooks. Move to the basic foods that are still fairly uncomplicated. Young cooks should be able to prepare at least one