[header] How to let kids help in the kitchen [title] Decide on a meal together. [step] Give children a cookbook or show them a website and let them browse through the recipes and pictures. Have them pick out 2 or 3 meals they like. 
If you have younger children, you can suggest 2 different meals and ask which they prefer. Children will be more willing to participate in the kitchen if they are interested in what you're cooking.