DiscussionsKid-Friendly Fun in the Kitchen

Does anyone have any great ideas for a 2 1/2 year old to do in the kitchen?  He always wants to be in there with me so I thought it would be nice if he could help!

It's been a long time since I've had young ones in my kitchen.  However, I always encouraged my children to help.   You have to remember that their attention-span isn't always long and they don't always DO things as you would.  Let them play a bit .. and help a bit.   So what if they don't shape something just the way you would? or make a wee mess.  Big mess? yes, then step in and stop it.   I've had friends who would not even let their kids help decorate Christmas cookies as they wanted their cookies perfect!   No green Santa clauses and such.  I always thought that was some of the fun!

If you're making cookies, or rolls or whatever .. give your child some of the dough --- and let them try to shape it - then bake it .. and whatever else goes with it.  They'll be proud of their accomplishment!   There used to be some plastic knives - they were put out, I believe, for cutting lettuce.  But they were not sharp and a child could safely use them under some supervision.    Maybe they can place fresh veggies (that you've cut) decoratively on a large platter; then 'stir' the dip or dressing to go with them.   Sprinkle on the chopped basil or parsley or cilantro. 

Making pies there is usually extra dough .. and they can make their own tiny one .. doesn't have to be crimped .. just a shape (I won't say round!) and they can sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or spread a bit of peanut butter on before  the sprinkle .. and it can go in the oven with yours (and come out sooner).  Putting the toppings on pizza dough is also a good 'job' for young ones.

I always had a package of those thin plastic gloves .. I think you can buy a box of 50 or 100 for not very much.  They're a wee bit large for tiny hands  but work quite well on a 5-yr old... and they could mix your meatloaf or meatball mixture by wearing the gloves and getting all squishy gooey!   

When your child gets a little older --- helping you by measuring just might help him/her with math!   You have to go easy with knives and ovens and stove tops ... until the child is more competent.  Some at a much younger age than others.  

As my children grew -- they each became responsible for making dinner (completely) one night a month.  Some of the dinners weren't that great ... (this when about 8 - 12) .  Later, when they were away at college, if my phone rang at 5 p.m. I usually knew that the first words would be 'Ma, how much such-and-such should I put in this?' or 'how long do I cook such-and-such'   

Enjoy!

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old myself and both help me in the kitchen A LOT.  The two year old often ends up as just my "adder".  Whatever we are making, I'll chop, measure, etc. the ingredients and then present them to him.  It is his job to transfer the material to the soup pot, mixing bowl, or where ever it is destined to end up.  If we are making cookies, I'll let him decide how many chocolate chips to add and let him choose from other ingredients, too.  Pizza making is a blast, I agree!

If you want to assign some busy work, you can have him count out various measurements.  "We need 6 cloves of garlic - can you count those for me?"  My 4 year old is a whiz at peeling garlic, too, and that is a real help!  I like to get them involved in making a salad by having them tear up the lettuce.  It is fun, and then they are actually eager to eat the salad.

Be prepared for a mess, but accept that that is part of the fun!

Hi buggermom:

Just talked to Libby from the Kitchens. Here is some of her ideas. 

·        Keep one cupboard or drawer just for the toddler, and fill it with safe, easy to handle cooking gadgets – a small lightweight strainer, wooden spoons, small (even toy) pots and pans, hot pads, plastic storage containers.  It’s hard to spare the space, but in the long run, having him occupied with his own cooking tools will increase your kitchen prep time.  He can “cook” while you cook.  Or if you just can’t spare the space, put these items in a plastic bin that’s ONLY for kitchen time.  Having his own special cooking toys that he can use only when it’s kitchen time will help keep him occupied.

·        In most recipes, there are a few steps that can use help, even if it’s as easy as, “Can you please hold this for me until I’m ready to use it?”  Let him be part of the process.

·        Give him a few choices for dinner items and see if it works into your plans. A kid who gets a say in what’s coming is usually a happy kid!  

·        Keep an ingredient on hand that your toddler can measure. For example, a small amount of dry pasta (in a fun shape) and a spoon to scoop it from one bowl to another.  Or try a small measuring cup that he can use to transfer dried beans from a storage container to a bowl. Yes, there will be a few pieces of pasta or beans to sweep up in the end, but it’s worth it to keep your toddler occupied and happy.

·        Before you head to the kitchen together, prepare a small snack – some cheese cubes, a few small apple bites and some Cheerios® cereal, for example.  Get a head start on your cooking tasks while he has a snack.

Hope this helps and inspires! 

Sincerely, Cate

I do not have kids myself but I do have quite a few of nieces and nephews. When my nephew would show interest in helping in the kitchen I would let him help me make scrambled eggs or toast or even peanut butter and jelly. Another thing that your child might enjoy would be to help make something sweet like cookies or homemade brownies and let him/her pour in the already measured ingredients.

I always had my kids entertained with flour a rolling pin (kid size) and dough of any kind and cookie cutters!!  Kept them busy for a long time!!!!  :0  Fun to see what they create too!!

My almost three year old son has been helping me in the kitchen since he was a baby even if it was just sitting in his bouncey seat sleeping.  He loves dumping ingredients into the mixer when baking, he and my husband made pizza together the other night (he loved pressing the crust into the pan, sprinkling cheese on the pizza, putting pepperoni on the pizza), we've made dirt together, (He had a great time pressing the pulse button on the food processor to crush up the cookies, and loved eating the worms!).  He has even helped me bread egg plant for egg plant parmesan.  If you can get him a little apron and/or utensils that are small enough for his hands.  Also, have fun!