6 Ways Kids Can Help in the Kitchen

In our kitchen, we love getting the little ones involved! Not only does it teach them a valuable life skill, but it also creates a special bond that you can't replicate with toys or other activities. Some of my greatest memories revolve around being in the kitchen with my Nana! So, it's no wonder that cooking has become a passion of mine. Now, as a holistic homemaker and conscious mama myself, I embrace the opportunity to share that love with my two littles as well. If you are not quite ready to jump into cooking with your little ones just yet, no worries! There are many ways they can assist and begin their journey around the kitchen with you. Below are my 6 favorite ways littles can keep busy, enjoy some quality time with you and help out around the kitchen.

1. Sort Groceries

If you're not ready for cooking just yet, get them involved by helping you with the groceries instead. Let them assist in sorting items by type after shopping, like separating the apples from the oranges. Older kids can even learn about which items need to be refrigerated and which can be stored on the shelf.

2. Wash Produce 

Kids love to play in the water; at least, my two do. As a family following a plant-based diet, we consume lots of fresh produce. Especially during meal prep, while you’re chopping and mixing things together, getting the kids involved in washing up all the fruits and veggies is not only helpful but also a super fun activity for them. Just be prepared to mop a bit afterward. 

3. Cut Up Food

Trust me, Mama… I know! We had our first scare when someone tried to cut his own avocado. While scary, this was a learning experience that forced me to show him the correct way to use a knife and, most importantly, to always ask before using kitchen tools alone. Still, there are lots of things that can be cut with a table or plastic knife. Produce such as bananas and other soft fruits like strawberries are great items to practice with. And when you’re ready and you want to become more adventurous, there are tools such as cut-proof gloves and finger protectors made just for little hands that you can purchase on Amazon. 

4. Read Recipes

With a little who loves reading books, I always need some assistance with cooking up delicious recipes in the kitchen. Not only is it a fantastic way for them to learn new words, but it also makes them feel like a big helper in the family by taking on such an important job.

5. Pour Ingredients

If they are not learning big math yet, you may not be teaching measurements, but pouring ingredients is always fun, so have the littles help you pour ingredients into the bowl. This may take some prep on your end,  but it’s an excellent way for them to get involved as they pour your pre-measured/chopped ingredients required for your dish. Now that my littles are a bit older and have learned more math, we may split measurement and figure up new ways to get to a cup of flour using fractions.

6. Mix and Whisk 

If they are big enough, allow them to have a sturdy stool so they can climb up to mix or whisk together ingredients for you as you stand beside them, preparing other items. With plant-based ingredients, we don’t really worry about licking our fingers or the bowl… but if you are not quite there yet, simply watch closely or altogether avoid having them help with mixing raw items such as meat and egg.