The Littlest Kitchen Helpers
SHARED by: Diana Arizpe, Chef and Educator at Kitchen Little Cooking School
It’s 12pm. Do you know where your children are? That’s right, they’re in the kitchen, eager to to help with the holiday meal prep! Good thing you knew the importance of having a few helping hands in the kitchen early. Little hands are great for a ton of cooking tasks- from decorating cookies, to cutting biscuits, to washing and drying fruits and vegetables for easy prep; don’t let those ambitious little digits go to waste!
Keep in mind that all kids develop at different rates, so some tasks that may be easy for one three year old may not work for another.The best way to find out how capable your child is, is to teach and observe them in the kitchen with you! You’ll be able to get a much better feel for it. Now let’s get started!
0-1.5 Years: There is no such thing as “too early” when it comes to getting your child to cook with you. For the first year and a half, the best way to get them involved is to have them watch you. The more consistent and safe your kitchen habits are, the better theirs will be in the future. Exposure is everything. The kitchen can be a very intimidating place (for adults and kids alike!), so now’s the time to show how fun it can be!
18 Months – 3 Years: That sweet little spot between 18 months and 3-years-old is the perfect time to start giving your child simple tasks to complete on their own in the kitchen. Try getting them to mash vegetables, wash fruits, picks herbs off of stems, and stir stir stir! These projects will not only help you out, but also help your child get a head start on those fine motor skills! It may take a lot of patience and supervision, but it’s worth it. Take advantage!
3-5 Years: This is when it starts getting really fun (sorry two year olds- but it’s true). These are seasoned kiddie chefs ready to put their skills to use! Try having them knead dough, roll out pastries, crack eggs, and measure. And speaking of measuring- this is a great time to introduce measuring, weighing, and following recipes. And don’t forget cleanup! A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen (and a well-functioning one), so put those developing little muscles to work! Have your child wipe down the countertops, put dishes in the sink, or help you hand dry items to be put away for later.
6-9 Years: For elementary kids, kitchen basics have already been covered. At this point, you can start introducing things like safe cutting techniques (with plastic or real knives), stovetop cooking, using a stand mixer, or a micro plane! They can learn to use the oven properly, cook on the stovetop, and follow a recipe from start to finish (ahem…**reading skills!). And don’t forget to have them help setting the table, wrap silverware or napkins, or put out appetizers!
Ultimately, you know your child best. If they show an interest in cooking, encourage them! Here is no greater feeling, especially during the holidays, than preparing a meal and enjoying it with loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving!