William loves to help me cook, but I have to be honest, sometimes I don’t. It typically takes much longer than usual, often makes a huge mess, and it is sometimes very distracting having a little one help. One time William had me so busy we forgot the oil in muffins, which as it turns out, makes for a very, very dry and unappealing muffin. Not good to serve to a house full of guests at a baby shower. But, there are valuable lessons your child can learn by helping you cook, so it’s worth giving yourself a pep talk, if you need it, for a little extra patience.
Along the way, I have learned a few things about having a kiddie in the kitchen cooking by your side. First of all, patience is key. Children are at a different skill level than adults, so they do things differently. Meatballs may be misshapen, banana slices won’t all be the exact same size, and the brownie batter may be lumpy. That’s ok. If you are cooking with a young toddler, that little one will want to play with and explore the ingredients. So, peanut butter will be smeared across the counter, spices and herbs will dust the floor, and most of the cookie dough will be eaten before it is baked. That is also ok. Cooking with your child is more about the process and less about the product, even though there is nothing better than sharing the finished product with your kiddie. Warm chocolate chip cookies and cold milk, anyone? I can assure you that your child will be so proud of what he accomplished!
Confidence is only one of the many skills children learn while cooking alongside a parent. They learn to follow directions, and also learn basic nutrition, kitchen vocabulary, cooperation, and reading skills. Not to mention basic math and science concepts. William said to me once, “Mama, this one bigger than the other one. Can we use big one, Mama?” referring to a half cup and whole cup measuring cups.
Below is a list of age appropriate tasks for your little helping hands.
Most two year olds can…
- Wash/scrub vegetables and fruit
- Dip one ingredient into another
- Sprinkle ingredients
- Roll one ingredient into another
- Tear lettuce
- Crush crackers or dried bread cubes
- Place foods onto baking pan
- Use a cookie cutter
Most three year olds can do all of the above and…
- Cut soft foods using a plastic knife
- Mix batter
- Scoop ingredients
- Pour measured ingredients
- Gather ingredients and cooking utensils
- Shake homemade salad dressing
Four years and older can do everything above and also…
- Mash soft foods
- Measure ingredients with guidance
- Peel fruits and vegetables
- Crack an egg
- Shape meatballs and cookies
There are so many things I can teach William while he is at my side cooking with me in the kitchen.
When the timer bings on the oven William calls out in excitement, “Mama! Nana muffins are ready! They’re done!” He then grabs the hot pads from the drawer next to the stove, practically throws them at me, and backs out of the kitchen while I retrieve our chocolate banana muffins from the hot oven. Yes, cooking with a young person means I have to work around someone and adjust my routine, and the amount of responsibility in safety is increased dramatically, but enjoying those muffins I made with my little guy is well worth it! And honestly, can I really deny that blonde haired little boy who pushes a stool up to the counter and says to me, “Mama, you need help?”
Of course I do!
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I am Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home mama of five! I am the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught range of levels, including preschool and college, and a little bit of just about everything in between. Right now, my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
maryanne @ mama smiles says
June 25, 2012 at 11:30 amKids learn so much by helping in the kitchen – and I find that it’s great parent-child bonding time, as well!
Thanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)
The Iowa Farmer's Wife says
June 29, 2012 at 9:56 pmKids helping in the kitchen is such a fun and great learning activity, but yes a bit time consuming and well, messy! My daughter LOVES to help out in the kitchen and I think it teaches her so much. It also gives us some one on one time! Great post and age appropriate ideas! Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Showcase!
Melissa @ Tinkerbean says
July 2, 2012 at 6:21 pmI love it. So true.
Heather says
July 2, 2012 at 7:05 pmOh my goodness, I felt like I was reading about myself and my older son in this post when it come to cooking with him! I love it, it’s a time for us to connect as well.
Katherine Collmer says
July 2, 2012 at 8:32 pmThis is such a heart-felt tale about you and your son! Thank you for sharing your honest feelings about having him “help,” while continuing to carry on “business as usual.” It is so true that children learn all of the things that you’ve shared. It is also true that it can simply be fun if we just let it be! Thanks again for sharing – and reminding us to let children play in the kitchen!
Brittany says
July 2, 2012 at 10:14 pmI love this! I was wondering if you had any tips to introducing younger toddlers to cooking. I have been wanting to do something with my 14 month old but I am not sure what she would be able to do.
Thanks!
Sarah says
July 3, 2012 at 7:24 amAt that age, my son loved helping me find ingredients in the kitchen. Remember that cooking is not limited to the stove or oven. It can be as simple as making a sandwhich together. Ask your little one to find the bread, peanut butter and jelly. At 14 months he/she won’t be able to help you spread, but he/she can certainly help you taste the ingredients, which is most of the appeal of helping! If you’re really adventurous and a non-worrier to messes, then spread some peanut butter and jelly on the high chair tray and let your little familiarize him/herself with the ingredients through sensory play. (I have a couple of posts about it). At this age kiddies love exploring kitchen utensils, like spatulas, measuring spoons and mixing paddles. Most importantly, Keep your child close by while you cook and talk about everything you do while making meals. Sometimes it may sound like you’re on a cooking show, but that’s ok because think of all the vocabulary and language structure your kiddie is learning while listening to you…and if your kiddie really can’t help, it’s always a good idea to keep them busy with a healthy snack, too. Hope this is helpful!
Emma @sciencesparks says
July 4, 2012 at 2:52 pmCooking together is so lovely isn’t it? I always feel like we gain so much from cooking together.
Thanks for linking to Science Sparks. xx
Crafting Play says
July 11, 2012 at 12:53 pmThis is a real nice narrative. Thank you for being honest about the experience and sharing!
Susie Earning-My-Cape says
July 14, 2012 at 7:04 pmThis is great! My kids love helping me cook, but sometimes I just want to get it done with no mess and no fuss. When they ask to help, though, it is so hard to say no! lol
Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! 🙂
~Susie~
Charlene says
July 28, 2012 at 12:06 pmYou know I love this…my kids are always in the kitchen with me!
Thanks for sharing this on Hey Mom, Look What I Did at Adventures In Mommy Land!!