We have all seen those cute kids in videos on social media who help out in the kitchen and yes, they are all adorable. But, how do you know if your little one can help and what is an age appropriate task for them?
Right around the first birthday mark, children are curious about almost anything. If you can find a way to let a child stir, scoop, pour, or even just smell and touch food as it is being prepared - do it!
In the photo above, my grandson is helping break up large kale leaves that I will drizzle with a little bit of olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and roast in the oven until the leaves are brown-ish and crispy. A keto friendly, tastes great (well, for grown-up taste buds) and is a feel good snack.
I've also had this young man stir different foods and I always hand him a safe piece of ingredients for sniffing and if appropriate, tasting.
A number of kid friendly step stools are available online for the toddler who wants to be working alongside you at counter height. For now, I pass things to Fed Well, Jr. on his high chair tray.
As children age, helping to measure with plastic cups and spoons can also be a great learning opportunity. Fractions and cooking - woo hoo!
Elementary school children can always help decorate baked goods or place cookie dough on sheets. Cookie cutters can also be used for cutting fruit and some vegetables into new and interesting shapes. Tossing salad, mixing dressing, and turning on the stand mixer (with supervision) are also some great early kitchen activities.
And, believe it or not, this little guy enjoys being handed a soapy sponge to wipe down his tray so go ahead and incorporate clean-up fun! I can even admit to singing while we clean.
Whatever you've got going on in the kitchen, with a bit of creativity and a lot of oversight, the little one in your life can certainly participate.
So get cooking with the kids and teach them their very first acts toward being Fed Well - body and mind. Take care!
