I often get asked by parents, How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen. Below I’m sharing age appropriate kitchen tasks for your kids, as well as some helpful tips for working with kids in the kitchen.
September is Family Meals Month, a month where we are encouraged to eat together with your family more often. This is something I try to do as much as I can, as I know the lifelong benefits that can result of simply eating together as a family.
Besides just eating together as a family, I encourage my clients to get the entire family involved in meal preparation in the kitchen. This not only helps spread out the tasks, but can be fun as well! If you need help on knowing what kitchen equipment to use or finding basic ingredients, you can check out my recommendations here.
Sometimes it’s hard to know what tasks to assign to your children, as you may think they are too young or will just end up making a big mess.
The truth: children can start helping in the kitchen at a young age and, while they may make a mess, it is how they learn. Over time (some children longer than others), as they continue to help you in the kitchen things will become easier to them, they will hone their skills, take less time to perform a task, and make less of a mess.
Holding your child back from helping because they might make a mess prevents them from learning, engaging and growing in this area. Keep things light-hearted and have a good sense of humor when your kids are helping in the kitchen. You can also involve them in helping clean up any messes, too!
How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen
Below are age appropriate tasks with how kids can help in the kitchen. Keep in mind, each child is different and skills and abilities may vary. Assign tasks appropriate to your child’s maturity and experience level.
Ages 3 to 4
Kids this age require close adult supervision. Show them what to do and help them with these tasks, as needed.
- Rinse and wash produce
- Wipe down surfaces
- Set the table
- Use cookie cutters
- Use a plastic knife to cut soft fruits or vegetables (I like these knives for kids)
- Tear lettuce leaves or fresh herbs
- Pour ingredients into a bowl
- Stir together ingredients in a bowl
- Use a rolling pin
- Use a basting and pastry brush to “paint” oil or an egg wash on food
- Decorating or putting sprinkles on cookies or cupcakes
- Assemble food onto a tray
Ages 5 to 7
Kids this age are starting to develop more fine motor skills and usually crave more independence in performing tasks in the kitchen. However, they still require adult supervision. Be sure to stay close to help them with these tasks.
- All of the above, plus:
- Crack eggs
- Use a vegetable peeler
- Shuck corn
- Measure ingredients
- De-seed peppers
- Use blunt scissors to cut herbs
- Grate cheese
- Roll cookie dough into balls
- Make a parfait with yogurt, granola and fruit
- Load the dishwasher
Ages 8 to 9
Kids this age can usually be trusted to more detailed work, as their fine motor skills are developed and they are more mature. It’s still a good idea to be around to supervise and remind them about basic food and kitchen safety, should they forget.
- All of the above, plus:
- Use a can opener
- Use a pizza cutter
- Beat eggs
- Use a food thermometer
- Scoop batter
- Juice citrus fruits
- Pound chicken on a cutting board
- Put away leftovers
- Make a sandwich
- Use a toaster
Ages 10 to 12+
Children this age can usually work more independently in the kitchen. Before giving your child free rein in the kitchen, be sure to supervise them first to assure they can perform kitchen tasks safely and follow basic kitchen rules, such as using a chef’s knife, turning pan handles in on hot stoves, or unplugging electric appliances. You know your child best and whether they are mature and experienced enough to have a little independence in the kitchen or not. Regardless, it is still recommended that an adult is in the house in case of an emergency.
- All of the above, plus:
- Boil and cook pasta
- Steam vegetables
- Follow a simple recipe
- Slice and chop vegetables
- Bake and microwave foods
Helpful Tips for Working with Kids in the Kitchen
- Remember food safety: Teach your child about food safety, such as cleaning surfaces and washing hands before working with food, and cooking food to the correct temperatures.
- Stress kitchen safety: Kids require adult supervision in the kitchen, especially younger children. Set clear rules and expectations when working in the kitchen (such as stay away from hot stoves and moving electric beaters), and explain how following the rules will keep them safe.
- Pick the right time: If time is tight or you need to get a meal made quickly, it might not be the right time to have your kids help out – especially if they are younger or less experienced in the kitchen. Choose to have them help when you have plenty of time for them to learn and help you. Also, opt for a time when you and your child are both in good moods – as this will help make working together a lot more pleasurable!
- Don’t be afraid of a mess: As I mentioned earlier, kids will most likely be messy when helping in the kitchen. Don’t be angry about it, but instead tell them it’s okay and clean the mess up together. Put on a smile and encourage them in doing better, as well as point out what they did that was good.
- Encourage learning: Cooking and baking is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn and apply what they have already learned. For example, when measuring ingredients, have your child help count how many cups or teaspoons that are needed. Or explain the science behind baking, such as why baking powder or baking soda are required to help create air bubbles to help a cake rise.
- Have fun: Don’t make cooking or preparing food a chore. Find ways to have fun in the kitchen, such as turning on some music and dancing and singing as you prepare the meal together. You’ll not only be creating a delicious meal, but lasting memories, as well.
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