Do your kiddos love to help out in the kitchen? Ever since M was about 18 months old, she has been my little sous chef. Now that she’s 5, she’s able to do a lot more, but even at a tiny age, there are so many opportunities to have little chefs!
Baking
M has always loved to pour ingredients and stir batter. It’s a great chance to teach kiddos how to be careful and focused with their actions.
Mini-apple pies are another great parent-kiddo baking project. We do tiny pies in a muffin tin and of course, M helps with all the measuring and stirring. It’s an awesome way to build in math vocabulary AND put it to real-life use!
Canning
With so much fresh fruit in season, it’s a great time to can or make jams and jellies! M loves to go strawberry picking and loves it even more when we make preserves together. I bought her her own masher at the dollar store and she does a great job of “smashing” the fruit!
Meal Time!
Looking to add a new veggie to their plate? Trying out a different type of pasta? Have little ones get their hands in it and they’re far more likely to try it! We had M’s friend over to make little pizzas and loaded them with new toppings (peppers, pineapple, and olives) and my normally cheese-only girl actually tried them (these were biscuit pizzas that the girls made).
Party Favors
When M had a fairy-themed party, she helped me make all the pretzel fairy-wands! She would dip the tip in melted chocolate and then roll them around in sprinkles. It gave her a great sense of accomplishment to know that SHE helped with her party!
Party Time
Who doesn’t love to decorate cookies? Even when M was teeny tiny, this girl was shaken’ a sugar shaker! It’s a great activity when you have a group of toddlers!
Cooking with kids is such a fun activity! What are your favorite things to make together?
Written by Jill
5 Comments
Sweet photos. My grands like cooking with me every visit just like their parents did when they were little. I think it bonds us while learning.
August 14, 2012 at 5:51 pmWhat a fun! It looks like sprinkles are very popular!
August 14, 2012 at 9:01 pmlooks like they had so much fun! my kids love helping in the kitchen!
August 14, 2012 at 11:28 pmIt’s always fun to see kids so eager to help or learn, especially in the kitchen! I sent my kid to some cooking class for kids and she comes back wanting to show what she learnt.
Always trying to impress, telling me that she can help out with this and that. It’s adorable.
August 16, 2012 at 4:31 amWhat great tips! I have always loved to cook with my kids and I find it especially helpful with my daughter who has special needs. Thanks for the great tips!
August 27, 2012 at 4:42 am