Age-Appropriate Kitchen Duties
Are you ready to teach your child how to cook? Cooking is a great way to bond with your child, but before you start teaching him tips and tricks in the kitchen, assign roles based on age. Help him develop safe kitchen skills, all while cooking nutritional recipes!
Two to Three Years Old
At two to three years old, your child won’t be able to do much, but he can learn what it’s like to be in the kitchen. He can watch you perform tasks that will inspire him to do the same! He will need a lot of supervision, even while doing basic tasks. Your toddler can set the table, squeeze lemons, and mash potatoes!
Four to Five Years Old
At ages four and five, your child’s motor skills are developing and becoming more defined, allowing him to do a little more work in the kitchen. You’ll be able to ask him what he prefers doing, and he’ll feel independent when completing the tasks. Tasks that allow for minimal intervention include greasing pans, stirring, and putting dishes away!
Six to Seven Years Old
Fine motor skills are developed at this age, allowing your child to pick up more detailed tasks. He can form meatballs, dice vegetables, or use measuring spoons with guidance and reassurance. He can even peel potatoes, cut soft foods like fruit, and use zesters.
Eight to Nine Years Old
This age group can read recipes and instructions. He will have his own interests and a better understanding of what he can do in the kitchen. Your child will be able to use toaster ovens safely, use a pizza cutter and stand mixer, skewer food, and chop foods!
Ten to 12 Years Old
When your child is between 10 and 12 years old, he should be able to work independently in the kitchen. He should have the basic skills down first before learning something new and more mature, such as flipping foods and scrambling eggs.
Start By Juicing
Juicing is an excellent way to introduce a child of any age to what it’s like to make something to eat. Allow him to choose his favorite fruits and vegetables. Depending on his age, he can wash, cut, peel, core, or chop the produce. To teach proper kitchen etiquette, older children can wash the juicer or blender, then put it away. Pop Sugar has a pink veggie juice your child will love! This quick and nutritious recipe incorporates six large carrots, three medium pears, and one medium beet. Watch your child’s amazement when he sees the drink turn pink!
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