foodsandflavors~™
Courtney Tevepaugh
Courtney Tevepaugh photo: Pixels On Paper Photography
Kids in the
Kitchen WRITER Courtney Tevepaugh Family and Consumer Science Agent, Wilkes County North Carolina Cooperative Extension Courtney_tevepaugh@ncsu.edu Follow along on Facebook @wilkesFCS
Now that my little one is growing he is able to help a bit in the kitchen. I’ll be the first to admit when crunched for time sometimes having a little person who wants to help can add to the stress. In those moments it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I have to remind myself that one of the best ways to encourage healthy eating in children is to allow them room to participate in cooking. Cooking with children helps to excite them about what’s on the table and they are more likely to eat what’s prepared if they were able to have a hand in fixing it. For example, my little boy is at the stage where he wants to show his independence. I can let him participate in small ways that make him feel 40
like he has a very important role. In addition to the positive relationship with food that cooking together brings, children also can learn reading, math, and science simply through helping in the kitchen. Next time you have children in your kitchen I encourage you to let them help. It will take more time and energy, but the memories made, relationships fostered, and knowledge gained is worth so much more. Here are some ideas to get children involved in the kitchen by age. Remember these are suggestions, children still need adult supervision while completing these tasks. You know your child best and can decide when a task is developmentally appropriate.
Preschool (2-5 years)
Young Children (6-8 years)
Stir batter in a bowl Rinse fresh produce Use cookie or biscuit cutters Cut soft fruits and vegetables with a butter knife
Use a can opener, garlic press, or juicer Grate cheese Fry eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches Use paring knife
Preteens (9-12 years)
Teenagers (13-16 years)
Trim and slice vegetables Put foods in oven and remove Bake quick breads Use chefs knife
Efficiently chop, dice, and mince Panfry and grill foods Use all kitchen appliances Bake yeast doughs
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