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March 1, 2016

4 Ways Kids, Big or Small, Can Help Cook!

I am the first to admit I’m a bit of a control freak in the kitchen. (Well just in general, I guess, lol.) So when the kids ask to help me cook, my first instinct is to always say no, not today, maybe next time. But there are so many things kids can learn in the kitchen and ways to involve them that can be both fun for them and less stressful for parents.

First, I’ve drilled into them the ground rules: wash your hands, pull back your hair, stay away from the stove. So now they’ll say “Can I help you after I wash my hands?” YES, they’re listening! Next I consider who’s asking to help and give them assignments based on thier age…my kids are 9, 7 and 2, so I’ve got experience with helpers of lots of ages and stages. I’ve narrowed down 4 jobs that I like the kids to help with and I tailor each one to make it age-appropriate.

1. MEASURING  Kids at any age enjoy doing the measuring because they know it’s an important job!
Little Ones – Pre-measure dry ingredients and spices into little bowls and let little ones dump things into the bigger bowl. Dumping is always fun!
Older Ones – Explain the difference between dry measuring and liquid measuring, the importance of accuracy (leveling dry ingredients with the back of a knife and setting liquids down to settle to check the exact amount. So much math to learn!

Kids in the Kitchen - The Preserves Project

2. MIXING  Whether it’s a good old wooden spoon, a whisk or an electric mixer, watching ingredients blend together is always exciting!
Little Ones – Stirring and mixing is a good opportunity to teach team work. Work hand in hand and watch those little eyes widen in amazement as a batter is formed or as whole foods become mashed.
Older Ones – A lesson in patience is usually in order for older kids…mine will mix something for 10 seconds and say “I’m finished!” This is the time to teach kids about scraping down the sides of the bowl, watching for lumps and to show techniques like folding in ingredients.

Kids in the Kitchen - The Preserves Project

3. CHOPPING  This is always deemed another important job and of course it’s one of the most fun!
Little Ones – Break out a chopping tool or the food processor and let little fingers go to work without fear of getting boo-boos.
Older Ones – With close supervision, I’ll let my older kids slice and dice with a plastic knife. Teach them how to place the flat side down of whatever they are cutting for stability and also instill the importance of different cutting boards for produce and meats or poultry.

Kids in the Kitchen - The Preserves Project

4. CLEANING UP  Every parents least favorite part of preparing a meal is usually one of the kids favorites!
Little Ones – Toddlers LOVE “washing” dishes. Breakout a step stool, fill the sink with suds and water, throw in some plastic measuring cups and spoons, and let little ones scrub away while you make dinner…a win-win.
Older Ones – Another lesson in team work can be taught here…the good old you wash and I’ll dry. Or show older kids how to load the dishwasher and let them start learning where things are kept as they unload.

Kids in the Kitchen - The Preserves Proejct

So there you have it…some really easy ways to get your kids in the kitchen…cooking, learning and creating some great memories.  Start a family tradition that kids get to help with like Taco Night Tuesday or Sunday morning pancakes! My kids continually surprise me by the things they know and remember, with how interested and excited they get when they’re involved and with how helpful they can actually be. And I love that I’m laying the groundwork for future home cooks…making meals at home will always be the most economical and most healthy option and I want my kids to know and appreciate that. And I want them to be able to share what they’ve learned with their own families someday…a thought that makes me smile and tear up at the same time.

Any good tip or stories about cooking with your kids? Please share!

 

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cooking, family tradition, kids, kitchen

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Comments

  1. Sally @ Sweet Peas and ABCs says

    March 6, 2016 at 8:21 am

    Found your post on the Naptime Nation link party! I’m all for getting kids involved wherever they can in the kitchen, in fact, it’s what I write about! I have a 2.5 year old and I’m always surprised at how much more she’s willing to eat when she’s had a hand in helping to prepare that food. Great tips!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 6, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Hi Sally…thanks for stopping in. As the daughter of a home ec teacher, my mom
      and I both can’t help but get the kids involved in the kitchen to share lessons and make memories! I can’t wait to check out your site…I’m new to this, but maybe we can work together on something!

      Reply
  2. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    March 4, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    Love this! My son is 21 months, so it’s hard to involve him without putting him in danger. I’ve found that having him stand on a chair nearby at the counter with me alone really makes him happy – especially if I supply him with some tasty bits, like grated cheese or chopped veggies 🙂

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 4, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      Hey Morgan! It’s so fun to see how excited they get when they’re involved and helping. Before you know it, your son will be naming all the veggies and counting the pieces and helping chop. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Tasha says

    March 3, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    My daughter is designated stirrer, she has also now dubbed herself the “quality control girl” by being the first to taste 😀
    but of course no one wants to help with the dishes in this house!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 3, 2016 at 3:53 pm

      Thanks Tasha! I love the job of taster!!! That is certainly a coveted job in our house, especially when it comes to tasting pasta for doneness. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Jenna says

    March 3, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Love this! My two year old always wants to cook, so this has some great examples of how I can include him!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 3, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      Thanks Jenna! My two year old (well amost 3, sniffle) loves to help cook and just generally be underfoot in the kitchen! Some other fun distractions for him are filling up the k-cup holder for our Keurig – he just loves doing this! and playing with plastic spice jars. He rolls them and stacks them…simple joys, right?

      Reply
  5. colette @ restyle it wright says

    March 3, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Great tips! My daughter just turned 13 and one of her chores for the week is to find a recipe, write out her shopping list, and then prepare the meal start to finish. It’s been a lot of fun and something she has really enjoyed!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 3, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks Colette! We have been giving my oldest son a chance to do some actual cooking and he loves it. We’ve been sticking with breakfast so far and he can make some mean pancakes and scrambled eggs! Thanks for stopping by…

      Reply
  6. Suzi Whitford says

    March 2, 2016 at 6:03 am

    Cute! Love the images too 🙂 I’ve started to have my toddler help me pack the utensils in the dishwasher and throw things in the trash – she loves it!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      March 2, 2016 at 6:33 am

      Thanks Suzi! I love to see how my proud my toddler is when he can be in on the action and be a helper! Thanks for stopping by…

      Reply

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