How-To: How Children Can Help in the Kitchen
Helping in the Kitchen:
Children learn lifelong skills from helping you in the kitchen. With your help, they learn about healthy eating and cooking, and spend quality time with you. The most important thing is to give them tasks that they can successfully do at their age.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Wash hands well with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
4 to 5 years old:
- At this age, your child is ready to help with simple tasks which help to develop eye and hand coordination.
- Cut soft foods with a plastic knife.
- Roll out pizza or bread dough.
- Measure and level dry ingredients with a straight edge.
- Whisk a vinaigrette.
- Spray countertop with cleaner and wipe it clean.
- Mix a simple recipe.
- Wash fruits and vegetables.
6 to 9 years old:
- More advanced kitchen tasks are appropriate for this age group.
- Line a pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Form balls or patties.
- Scoop batter into muffin cups.
- Crack an egg.
- Scrape out the mixing bowl.
- Place fruit onto skewers.
- Help put groceries away.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Opening can with can opener and draining in colander.
There are many ways to get children excited about helping in the kitchen, and enjoying HappyHealthy Living!
