Cooking can be so much more than simply getting dinner on the table. Kids helping in the kitchen gives them life skills, teaches them about new foods and healthy eating, and it can be a great way to have fun and bond together.
Kids of any age can play a part in cooking up a good meal, even the youngest ones:
Two-year-olds can:
- Scrub fruits and vegetables
- Tear salad greens
- Snap fresh beans
- Wipe tables
Three-year-olds can:
- Pour liquids into batter
- Spread peanut butter or
- butter on bread
- Mix muffin batter
- Shake ingredients together
Four and five-year olds can:
- Mash soft fruits and vegetables
- Measure ingredients
- Juice citrus
- Beat eggs
Older children can help with more complex tasks, including choosing the recipes, slicing ingredients for a meal and cooking parts of it themselves.