Children have short attention spans. Give them quick, simple jobs, and give instructions one at a time.
Children get excited and forget. Repeat directions as often as needed. Expect spills and messes.
Pick the right recipes.
Choose recipes that are not "measurement restrictive." In other words the recipe won't be ruined if measurements are not perfectly exact. This will keep your stress level lowered about your kids messing up the recipe.
Let them help where they can.
Take larger cooking projects and break them into small kid-sized tasks. This will keep children interested. If they do leave before the project is finished they still feel that they've achieved something and done their part.
Use kid-friendly tools.
Have a supply of kid-friendly tools that are safe and easy for little hands to use. For liquids, use glass or plastic cups with a pouring spout. Show them how to read the measurements at eye level. Plastic cutting boards seem to work the best.
