Got a little one at home that’s growing more and more interested in the kitchen? From the smell of freshly-baked bread, the sizzle of eggs frying on the pan, or the colourful sight of salad, there’s a whole lot that might’ve caught their interest. So why not take them with you on your cooking adventures? By inviting children to participate in kitchen activities, it can help instill a love for healthy eating, boost their confidence, enhance motor skills, and teach them about teamwork. And with a cute little helper on hand, it’s sure to make your kitchen time much more enjoyable. Here are five fun age-appropriate ways your kids can lend you a helping hand in the kitchen.
1. Washing and Sorting
Children love playing with water so why not put this enjoyment to good use? Under your watchful eye, let them rinse fruits, vegetables, or even utensils. It works as a wonderful way to introduce them to different fruits and vegetables and their varying textures. You can have them sort the ingredients by colour, type, or size, subtly enhancing their analytical skills all while having loads of fun. What’s more, it’s a great lesson on the importance of cleanliness in cooking.
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2. Stirring and Mixing
For whatever reason, kids really love mixing batter. If you remember the joy of watching cake batter transform into a delicious cake for the first time, then it’s time you let your kid experience this amazing wonder too. Hand them a whisk or spoon and let them be in charge of mixing. While it’s a safe and simple task, this can be a fun exercise in hand-eye coordination and patience. Be prepared for them to make some sort of mess, but just remember it’s all part of the fun.
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3. Flavour Discovery
Children have a naturally curious palate as they experience new flavours and tastes for the very first time. With this in mind, take this as an opportunity to invite them to be your personal taste-tester - it’s a great way to let them explore different flavours. They can learn about sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, but also how these flavours combine to create dishes they know and love. It’s also an excellent way to teach them about the various spices and condiments that go into our meals.
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4. Kneading Dough
What’s more enjoyable than kneading some soft and squishy dough? Children love tactile activities so there’s nothing more perfect than letting them knead some dough. Whether it’s bread, pizza, or cookie dough, the enjoyable texture provides them with a fantastic sensory experience. As they have fun squishing and squeezing, it’s also helping them build their motor skills. Don’t forget to show them the final product so they know what their efforts were able to accomplish!
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5. Kitchen Gardening
Although gardening isn’t typically associated with “kitchen chores,” starting a small kitchen herb garden can prove to be a delightful task for your little ones. They can help with every aspect of growing the plants, from helping with the planting, watering, and even eventually harvesting them. This not only teaches them about the process of growth, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and a deeper appreciation for food. Not to mention you get to watch their eyes light up as they witness the miraculous wonder of growth.
Having your little one around in the kitchen can turn any chore into a fun family activity. It’s a great way to capitalize on their interest in being in the kitchen, and perhaps even inspire them to want to cook in the future. It’s about spending quality time together, learning, and undoubtedly, also making messes. It’s time to roll up your sleeves (and your little ones’) and get to cooking!
