TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO COOK BY AGE

When kindergarteners help out in the kitchen, they're learning math, science, and reading. But they're also learning social skills, by working together to make the meal, sitting down together, and helping to clear their plates when they’re finished.

COOKING TASKS FOR 2-3 YEAR OLDS

At this age, kids need high supervision. Focus on basic tasks and they’ll do just fine. Toddlers can get involved in the kitchen with the following activities:

1. Setting the table

2. Squeezing lemons

3. Learning to match the silverware as you empty the dishwasher

4. Using the salad spinner

5. Picking the leaves off fresh herb stems

6. Gentle stirring Mashing potatoes

COOKING TASKS FOR 4-5 YEAR OLDS

Motor skills are more defined and they can focus better. This is a frustrating age for many parents because many kids will be doing the 2-3 age group while others the 6-7 -it depends how involved and interested they’ve been.

Work with your child to figure out what they are most interested in doing from each list and focus on things they can accomplish on their own, with minimal intervention from mom and dad. This is a great age to focus on independence while still doing many of the same tasks they were doing in the kitchen the year before.

1. Stirring independently

2. Setting the table

3. Putting away pots and pans from the dishwasher or drying rack

4. Greasing pans (with help)