Tips for Kids In The Kitchen

I have always been a mother who has always loved working with my children in the kitchen. There are great times to have in the kitchen working closely together with your child will allow you to create a bond and memories. There are few things that you should be aware of when working with your children in the kitchen.

Safety Tips:

• Working with your child in the kitchen means that you must keep your eyes aware of all activities. It is always a great idea to have a small talk with you child(ren) about what they are allowed to do, what they should never do, and what they need help doing.
• Glass items should be up and out of the way. Little hands do not need to get hold of these older children when allowed can help in this area when allowed.
• Knives and sharp instruments should only be used with adult supervision or by adults only depending on child's age

What can children under 10 do to help in the kitchen:

• Children under 3 can spend time with mom and dad in the kitchen as well. Most of their time will be spent time playing but they can help do small chores as well. My granddaughter has her own play size pots and pans and kitchen as she pretends to work along beside her mother in the kitchen. She can however help om with small things like cleaning up small dust piles, getting cans together, and small task such as those.
• Children ages 3 to 5 move up the work chain just a bit as they can do more to help in the kitchen. They can set the table, get condiments out of fridge, help put together small dishes such as salad with the help of a grown up. One thing that my children always loved to do was to make ants on log made with peanut butter, celery and raisins. They love to help whenever and where ever they get the chance.
• Children ages 6 to 10 years of age are now in school and have learned to do more activities independently. School age children can use peelers to peel vegetables, set table, take out trash, help with dishes, wash counters, and learn to sweep floors. Many children this age can cook using the microwave and I can remember my mother sending me outside to shuck corn, snap green beans and peas/ children this age can also start preparing easy desserts with assistance of a grown up.

I hope you find time to work with you child in the kitchen. Have fun and get to know each other better.