Recently, a coworker of mine mentioned how awesome it was that our little toddler helps out in the kitchen. She's 2.5 and is so excited when it's time to cook. Bringing a toddler into the kitchen took a little work on our end, but it was easier than we thought! Now we cherish this bonus time together.
Here are five tips for encouraging your toddler to help in the kitchen:
1. Use toys that model food and cooking
Invest in a few kitchen-themed toys, such as toy cookware sets and pretend food items. This will help to engage your toddler in the kitchen environment and give them an idea of what to expect. Here are some of our favorites at Mountain Kids:
Kitchenette Set *Open Box Sale*
$35.00
$65.00
Open Box Sale! Item was used as in store display, great condition. Is sold as is! Cook up some delicious fun with this Kitchenette Set - perfect for aspiring chefs on the go! It comes with a movable clock to… read more
Chef Cutting Board
$25.00
Chop up dinner with style using the Chef Cutting Board! This delightful little guy is made from sustainable rubber wood and plywood, and comes complete with a knife and all the produce you need to get cooking - carrot,… read more
2. Use a kitchen helper
A kitchen helper or a toddler tower (a toddler-safe step stool that brings them to the countertop level) is a great tool for getting your toddler involved in the process of cooking. Depending on your toddler’s age, they can help with simple tasks such as stirring, measuring, pouring, and chopping. We got ours to match our kitchen cabinets. It also doubles as a step stool for adults, which is great because I am too short to reach our higher cabinets.
3. Make it a game
Turn tasks into games and make the cooking process more fun and engaging. For example, you can make a game of counting the number of scoops of sugar or measuring the right amount of salt.
4. Incorporate music and stories
Singing a song or telling a story while cooking is a great way to keep your toddler engaged and entertained.
5. Involve them in food preparation
Invite your toddler to help you with simple tasks such as washing vegetables, cracking eggs, or mixing ingredients. This will help them develop a love of cooking and make them feel like a valuable part of the process. And if you are making something that you can't involve them in (and you'd be surprised at how much they can do when given a chance) make something up.
Our little one moves beans from one bowl to another or cuts her canned carrots with her wooden knife. You can find child-safe knives on Etsy!
Also, when they are "done helping" or run out of tasks, a simple "go cook something in your kitchen" normally does the trick to keep the fun cooking energy going!
Cooking with toddlers can be a great learning experience for them and a fun bonding activity for the family. Hopefully, these tips will help you encourage your toddler to get involved in the kitchen and make the process a little easier and more enjoyable! Helping in the kitchen is a great way for picky eaters to have extra exposure to food, and knowing they helped make it, they might just try a bite!
Does your toddler help in the kitchen?