Q. . My young child wants to help in the kitchen, but most of the tasks are too dangerous. How can I encourage her and still keep her safe?

A. Some of the most enjoyable culinary jobs for children don't involve sharp objects or heat. You can let your child add pre-measured ingredients, stir ingredients together, mix dough or meatloaf ingredients with her hands, and tear salad greens. She can enjoy a variety of these "hands-on" activities without any danger.

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Q. I want to let my son help in the kitchen, but most of my recipes are too elaborate for a child, and I don't want him to be discouraged.

A. You can make use of prepared foods to give your son a chance to complete a dish from start to finish. Choose packaged side dishes that only require the addition of water, milk, and butter; prepared cake or muffin mixes that need only eggs or milk; and the kid-favorite - prepared macaroni and cheese. After some success with these "recipes" you can gradually introduce more complicated dishes that use fresh ingredients. At that point, your son will notice the improved flavor and greater satisfaction that come with cooking "from scratch!"

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Q. My 8th grader is convinced that he wants to pursue a career in the culinary arts, but I don't know how to help him explore the options. What can you advise?

A. If your son's school offers a course in home economics, he should use that as an introduction. He will learn some important basic information about nutrition and culinary arts. There are also opportunities for young people to get experience in a "real" kitchen on weekends and during summer vacations. The Culinary Institute of America offers a number of programs for aspiring young chefs to cook in professional kitchens with top chef-instructors. The college also offers some Saturday courses for parents and children to cook together.

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Q. I have a hard time getting my children to eat healthy foods. Can you recommend some ways to expand their palates beyond peanut butter and jelly?

A. I have two suggestions for you. First, children like to eat what they have participated in preparing. Let your children work with you on menu selection; set simple guidelines like: 1 protein item, 1 carbohydrate dish, and 2 vegetable or fruit ideas. Teach them what these categories mean and why a meal needs to be balanced. Then, let them help cook the things they select, and even serve the meal to an unsuspecting family member. The satisfaction of being responsible for a healthy meal just may inspire them to enjoy eating it as well!

Second, the foods you offer your child should be visually entertaining as well as flavorful. Cut sandwiches into round or triangular shapes, use garnishes to create "faces" on crackers or pancakes, and use colors liberally to make healthy foods fun to eat.

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Q. My daughter wants to learn to cook, but she has a very busy schedule with school and sports. How can I give her a good experience without taking up too much time?

A. Once a week let your daughter be in charge of the evening meal. Begin with a trip to the supermarket right after school, where she can have input into selecting what will be prepared. (Obviously, you will want to help her choose dishes that are not too difficult to make.) When you get home, let her help prep and (depending upon her age and ability) cook the items that were purchased. This weekly activity will help her to gain cooking skills while she enjoys some of her favorite meals.

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Q. My 17-year old son Gary wants to go to culinary school, and he seems to have a passion for food. I'm concerned that he will be really limiting his options for the future by going to a college that is focused on culinary arts.

A. Not everyone who earns a culinary degree becomes a chef. There are a wide variety of careers that are food related. For example, graduates of the CIA become chefs, food critics, TV personalities, restaurateurs, research and development chefs, authors, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Encourage him to stay in school long enough to complete a Bachelor's degree and you will expand his options even further. If you allow your son to pursue his dream, chances are he will succeed and be happy as well.

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