I often get asked by parents, How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen. Below I’m sharing age appropriate kitchen tasks for your kids, as well as some helpful tips for working with kids in the kitchen.
September is Family Meals Month, a month where we are encouraged to eat together with your family more often. This is something I try to do as much as I can, as I know the lifelong benefits that can result of simply eating together as a family.
Besides just eating together as a family, I encourage my clients to get the entire family involved in meal preparation in the kitchen. This not only helps spread out the tasks, but can be fun as well! If you need help on knowing what kitchen equipment to use or finding basic ingredients, you can check out my recommendations here.
Sometimes it’s hard to know what tasks to assign to your children, as you may think they are too young or will just end up making a big mess.
The truth: children can start helping in the kitchen at a young age and, while they may make a mess, it is how they learn. Over time (some children longer than others), as they continue to help you in the kitchen things will become easier to them, they will hone their skills, take less time to perform a task, and make less of a mess.
Holding your child back from helping because they might make a mess prevents them from learning, engaging and growing in this area. Keep things light-hearted and have a good sense of humor when your kids are helping in the kitchen. You can also involve them in helping clean up any messes, too!
How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen
Below are age appropriate tasks with how kids can help in the kitchen. Keep in mind, each child is different and skills and abilities may vary. Assign tasks appropriate to your child’s maturity and experience level.
Ages 3 to 4
Kids this age require close adult supervision. Show them what to do and help them with these tasks, as needed.
- Rinse and wash produce
- Wipe down surfaces
- Set the table
- Use cookie cutters
- Use a plastic knife to cut soft fruits or vegetables (I like these knives for kids)
- Tear lettuce leaves or fresh herbs
- Pour ingredients into a bowl
- Stir together ingredients in a bowl
- Use a rolling pin
- Use a basting and pastry brush to “paint” oil or an egg wash on food
- Decorating or putting sprinkles on cookies or cupcakes
- Assemble food onto a tray
Ages 5 to 7
Kids this age are starting to develop more fine motor skills and usually crave more independence in performing tasks in the kitchen. However, they still require adult supervision. Be sure to stay close to help them with these tasks.
- All of the above, plus:
- Crack eggs
- Use a vegetable peeler
- Shuck corn
- Measure ingredients
- De-seed peppers
- Use blunt scissors to cut herbs
- Grate cheese
- Roll cookie dough into balls
- Make a parfait with yogurt, granola and fruit
- Load the dishwasher
Ages 8 to 9
Kids this age can usually be trusted to more detailed work, as their fine motor skills are developed and they are more mature. It’s still a good idea to be around to supervise and remind them about basic food and kitchen safety, should they forget.
- All of the above, plus:
- Use a can opener
- Use a pizza cutter
- Beat eggs
- Use a food thermometer
- Scoop batter
- Juice citrus fruits
- Pound chicken on a cutting board
- Put away leftovers
- Make a sandwich
- Use a toaster
Ages 10 to 12+
Children this age can usually work more independently in the kitchen. Before giving your child free rein in the kitchen, be sure to supervise them first to assure they can perform kitchen tasks safely and follow basic kitchen rules, such as using a chef’s knife, turning pan handles in on hot stoves, or unplugging electric appliances. You know your child best and whether they are mature and experienced enough to have a little independence in the kitchen or not. Regardless, it is still recommended that an adult is in the house in case of an emergency.
- All of the above, plus:
- Boil and cook pasta
- Steam vegetables
- Follow a simple recipe
- Slice and chop vegetables
- Bake and microwave foods
Helpful Tips for Working with Kids in the Kitchen
- Remember food safety: Teach your child about food safety, such as cleaning surfaces and washing hands before working with food, and cooking food to the correct temperatures.
- Stress kitchen safety: Kids require adult supervision in the kitchen, especially younger children. Set clear rules and expectations when working in the kitchen (such as stay away from hot stoves and moving electric beaters), and explain how following the rules will keep them safe.
- Pick the right time: If time is tight or you need to get a meal made quickly, it might not be the right time to have your kids help out – especially if they are younger or less experienced in the kitchen. Choose to have them help when you have plenty of time for them to learn and help you. Also, opt for a time when you and your child are both in good moods – as this will help make working together a lot more pleasurable!
- Don’t be afraid of a mess: As I mentioned earlier, kids will most likely be messy when helping in the kitchen. Don’t be angry about it, but instead tell them it’s okay and clean the mess up together. Put on a smile and encourage them in doing better, as well as point out what they did that was good.
- Encourage learning: Cooking and baking is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn and apply what they have already learned. For example, when measuring ingredients, have your child help count how many cups or teaspoons that are needed. Or explain the science behind baking, such as why baking powder or baking soda are required to help create air bubbles to help a cake rise.
- Have fun: Don’t make cooking or preparing food a chore. Find ways to have fun in the kitchen, such as turning on some music and dancing and singing as you prepare the meal together. You’ll not only be creating a delicious meal, but lasting memories, as well.
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Melissa
This is an awesome list of ways kids can help in the kitchen and at what ages!! Thank you for the break down.
Brittany
You’re welcome!
Madi Rowan
This is genius! When I have kids, I would love to involve them in the kitchen. My mom always did a great job of including my brother & I, & honestly, I think it helped develop our love of cooking & baking!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
kerri
Great tips! I love when my kids help me out.
Brittany
It makes it so much more fun!
Leanne Wong
I love how you had different kitchen lists by age group, how nice! Fantastic way to get kids more involved in the kitchen and to participate in the food preparation / cooking process.
Brittany
Thanks!
Whitney Kutch
This looks so fun! I love how you broke down tasks based on age and capabilities.
Brittany
Thanks, Whitney!
Jennifer Morrison
This is a great list! I loved cooking with my kids, and now am enjoying cooking with my grandkids. I told my granddaughter that on her next visit I will teach her to crack eggs. 🙂
Brittany
Awe, that’s great! Cooking with kids and grandkids can be such a fun activity!
Sarah
I love how you set this up by ages! It’s definitely encouraging me to get into the kitchen.
Meagen P
My twins just turned 1 and I cannot wait to have them help me in the kitchen one day! I have such fond memories of baking in the kitchen with my mom!
toasttopost.com
Moscato Is My Mantra
I agree that its so important to get little ones in the kitchen as early as possible! I wish I had learned cooking skills and health knowledge earlier on in my life.
Amanda Archibald @ The Genomic Kitchen
Growing up in Europe, food was the center of daily attention! I remember my mother always said that in France, you would sit down for lunch and everyone would be talking about what’s for dinner! I was involved in the kitchen early in life and it has greatly impacted my relationship with food. The sooner, the better!
Brittany
Sounds wonderful! I agree!
LINDSEY PINE
These are fantastic tips! I loved helping my mom in the kitchen and I think that’s what really started my love with food and ingredients.
Brittany
Thanks! I definitely think getting in the kitchen at a young age can plant the seed for a budding future foodie!
Ste
What a great list! I’ve already got my 2 year old helping out from time to time, but mainly she just makes a mess!
Brittany
Thank you! That’s great you are already getting her involved at such a young age. Unfortunately, mess usually comes with the territory – but it can still be a good learning experience for all involved!
Sarah Remmer
Thanks for these fantastic tips – I love the way you broke your information down!
Shannon Garcia
These are such great tips for getting kids interested and involved in the kitchen! I am definitely an advocate of letting kids familiarize themselves with preparing meals and fun snacks.
Brittany
I agree!
Stacey Mattinson
I was JUST thinking this morning of writing a similar blog post! But I have an 18 month old :). I’m a huge fan of teaching them young!
Brittany
The younger the better!
Heidi Moretti
This is SUCH an important topic. Every kid should be in the kitchen because it will shape our entire world. Thank you!
Brittany
Yes- I agree!
Kara Lydon
Love these ideas and that you broke them down by age! So many great options.
Julie Harrington
great ideas! I think it’s so important to get kids in the kitchen!