Soup making is a cooking technique that can grow as your kids do. Because most soup recipes require a variety of basic skills, from chopping to sautéing, kids can learn under your watchful eyes. Here are a few tips to get them safely under way.

--Kids ages three and up can start by learning to chop softer vegetables with a plastic knife. Kids over eight can begin learning to use a paring knife.

--If kids are stirring the soup or sautéing, turn the pot handle toward the back of the stove so there's no danger of them tipping it.

--Let kids try using kitchen scissors to snip fresh herbs into the soup. Show them how to adjust the seasoning after it has simmered. Take a spoonful from the pot, blow on it until it's cool, then taste the soup. Does it need more salt or pepper?

--For an easy beginner recipe, try preparing ramen soup mix according to the directions. Then kids can add in their favorite vegetables, such as frozen peas, sliced mushrooms and a diced tomato.