Mealtimes are a great opportunity for connection with our kids. But it can be easy to get caught up in our crazy schedules and just go through the motions to get food on the table. Think about your fondest memories from childhood. I’m sure that many of them revolve around food. I fondly remember cutting up watermelon in the summer, baking banana bread on rainy days, and baking cookies at Christmas time. Cooking is not just getting food on the table, but also a time of connection with your kiddos. But how do you get started?
You might be wondering how old is “old enough” to help in the kitchen. Honestly, there are appropriate ways to involve your little ones pretty early. My oldest (was and maybe still is) what I affectionately refer to as a velcro baby. Meaning he always wanted to be with me, held by me, touching me…you get the idea. He would keep me company while I was cooking, pretty much from the beginning. It began with Cheerios and toys on his high chair tray while he watched me. Then turned into helping me from his toddler tower.
Below are some age-appropriate kitchen tasks that will help create independence and connection in the kitchen together:
Tasks for Under 4:
- Transferring cut ingredients to bowls or cold pans
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Adding seasonings
- Stirring & mixing
- Putting away silverware or plastic dishes
- “Washing,” aka water play in the sink
- Pouring measured ingredients into a bowl
Tasks for 4 & up:
- Cutting fruit and soft vegetables with a butter knife
- Setting the table
- Filling up drinks
- Measuring and pouring ingredients
- Learning to read & follow recipes
- Stirring hot foods (with adult help)
- Spreading things like butter, cream cheese, or PB&J
Include these tasks when you feel your children are mature enough to do them safely:
- Chopping with a real knife
- Prepping meat
- Putting food in the oven
- Adding ingredients to boiling water or oiled pans
- Timing multiple items to be ready at the same time
- Menu planning
- Grocery shopping
A few things to remember when you’re starting out. This is supposed to be fun and not something that stresses you out. If the thought of your child cutting the tops off strawberries sends you into an anxiety spiral, stick to other activities until your child is more mature. You can start off slow with them observing and having a conversation about what you’re doing. Tip for success: give them a snack so they have something to do with their hands. Otherwise, anything within reach will become a toy.
In the beginning, focus on the process—not the outcome. They will not be cutting uniform slices right away. They will spill ingredients when they’re pouring and mixing. They will use too much of something. And will definitely make a mess. Including them is going to make the process take longer, so be mindful if it’s a good day for little helpers. So throw on some good music and try to embrace the imperfections of the learning process. Give constructive criticism and praise their efforts. They won’t remember their lopsided chunks of fruit, but they will remember feeling proud of the fruit salad that they made all by themselves.
