It’s okay for kids to make mistakes in the kitchen, as long as the mistakes do not involve knives or the stove or oven. Learning from mistakes is part of the process. Kids can follow these ten easy tips to make fewer mistakes.

1. Check to make sure you have all the ingredients before starting a recipe. Nothing is worse than not being able to complete a recipe because of a missing ingredient.
2. Pay attention to whether a recipe calls for baking soda or baking powder. Using one or the other makes a big difference.
3. Read the entire recipe before starting. You might find that the dough needs to be refrigerated for a few hours, and you won’t be able to complete the recipe in time for dinner.
4. Wear an apron. Spills are unpredictable and unavoidable.
5. Pay attention when preheating the oven, and wait until it reaches the desired temperature. You will not save time by rushing.
6. Unplug the electric mixer before attaching or removing blades.
7. Crack eggs into a separate bowl and remove any eggshells before adding them to the other ingredients.
8. Use measuring cups and spoons and double-check your measurements. Measurements should be exact, especially when baking. Level off ingredients with the top of the measuring cup.
9. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid slips and falls.
10. When using an appliance for the first time, ask for instructions and a demonstration.