If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to get your kids interested in certain types of food. And if you think about it, you may have been the type of person who became more interested in a variety of foods when you started spending more time in the kitchen. The same holds true for kids. When they’re involved and interested in an activity, they become more curious. What better way to get a child interested in new tastes and textures than by having them help you in the kitchen. Here are some age-appropriate kitchen activities that will help inspire culinary curiosity when it comes to trying new foods. You, of course, will want to help your kiddos with some of these activities and use plastic bowls and utensils.
Age: 2
- Cookbook page turner. Perfect for when you’re food prepping.
- Rinse apples, celery, bell peppers, or any other fruit or vegetable that’s easy to handle.
- Shuck corn on the cob. You may need to help with this one, but kids love the challenge.
- Tear lettuce for salads.
- Wipe down the table.
Age: 3
- All of the above, plus…
- Add ingredients to a bowl.
- Help assemble pizza.
- Knead pizza and cookie doughs.
- Name and count ingredients.
- Scoop mashed potatoes onto plates.
- Stir ingredients together, such as pancake batter.
Age: 4
- All of the above, plus…
- Crack eggs into a bowl.
- Help assemble sandwiches.
- Measure dry ingredients.
- Peel eggs, bananas, easy-peel oranges, etc.
- Toss salads.
Age: 5
- All of the above, plus…
- Beat eggs (with egg beater).
- Cut soft fruits with a dull knife.
- Measure liquids.
When you give your kids fun kitchen tasks to complete, not only are the learning, but they’re also gain an appreciation for food.