Cooking with Kids

The first and most important place where children learn healthful attitudes about food is in the home. Children learn best by doing, not watching, so get them involved! As an added bonus your children will also be exposed to your family's food traditions.
Here are some ideas for getting even young children into the kitchen preparing and sharing food. Don't forget to start by washing your hands with soap and hot water!
Two to three Year Olds
This is an exciting time for children. Not only are they developing interest in foods and learning to feed themselves, they are also building their independence. Toddlers are easily distracted; keep tasks in the kitchen brief, simple, and FUN!

• wash vegetables, scrub potatoes
• name and count foods
• conversation about cooking

Three to Four Year Olds
Kids of this age are developing more control of fine motor skills and muscle control. Now would also be an appropriate time to give your little one an "either/or" choice between two tasks. Ask your child to help you with hands-on jobs, such as those listed below.

• shape meatballs
• snap peas
• tear lettuce
• peel bananas
• shuck corn

Four to Five Year Olds
Kids are willing and eager to help in the kitchen at this age! Your child might have strong opinions about foods at this time, but that doesn’t mean he/she isn’t interested. In fact, the more they help prepare new foods, the more likely it is that they will give it a try! Take the opportunity to teach your child about food and kitchen safety!

• break eggs into bowl
• pour milk and juice (with help)
• help measure ingredients
• mix ingredients
• open packages
• pour cereal
• make sandwiches
• toss salads
• stir ingredients
• talk about basic kitchen safety rules
• sort and classify foods

Five and Above
At this point, children can be quite independent in the kitchen (with supervision, of course). If there are specific meals your child enjoys making with you, challenge them to take the lead! Before you know it, your child will be confident and comfortable helping with new tasks.

• make cookies & cakes from mixes (with help)
• make pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, hot cereal, pasta and rice (with help)
• set and clear the table
• name kitchen safety rules

Remember that some children may take longer to learn some of these new skills and longer still to master them. Don't worry about the mess or making a perfect dish. What is most important are the shared time and positive experiences with your children.
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