Little Discoveries
Teen Chef Family Dinner
Your teen plans and cooks dinner while you work as their assistant.
Ages 13 to 15
75 minutes
Save as PDF from your print menu.
Get ready
Plan the menu earlier in the week.
What you’ll need
Ingredients for one recipe your teen chooses.
Let’s play
1. Your teen picks a recipe and makes a shopping list.
2. Shop together and stay within a set amount.
3. Cook with your teen in charge and you as assistant.
4. Eat together and ask what they would change next time.
Your part in the adventure
Take orders, chop what you’re told and keep your advice short.
What they’re discovering
They’re planning, budgeting and building real independence.
Before you begin
Review knife and stove safety first, and stay in the kitchen.
Keep the idea going
Let them invite one friend to help cook.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.