How to Cook With Toddlers

For as much time as we spend in the kitchen, we should have safe and easy ways to involve our children, too. Once a toddler is old enough to follow simple directions, such as “help me please”, “stir this, please” or “pour this, please”, he is able to help you with simple cooking tasks. Having a toddler help you in the kitchen will encourage him to develop and expand many skills. It can also boost his self-confidence and introduce him to the ways of healthy food choices, portions and food prep.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic bowls for measuring ingredients
• Plastic mixing bowls
• Wooden spoons
• Rubber spatulas
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Ingredients for chosen recipe or meal
• High-chair or booster seat
• Damp paper towels or cloth

1. Before you begin to prepare the recipe, pick one that involves few easy steps, such as instant pudding, cookies, fruit salad, or muffins.
2. Set the toddler in his high chair or booster, and bring all ingredients and necessary items to the table or hard surface he can reach from his seat.
3. When measuring dry ingredients, like flour or sugar, help him hold the measuring cup over a plastic bowl while you spoon in the product. After they are measured correctly, have him pour the ingredients into individual plastic bowls.
4. When measuring the liquid ingredients, help your toddler hold the measuring cup while you pour the liquid in. When you have the correct amount, have him pour the liquids into individual plastic bowls
5. For single items, help him count out the correct amount. Place the single items in a plastic bowl.
6. When each ingredient is measured out, help your toddler pour each one into the mixing bowl. You can stir first to moisten the dry ingredients so they don’t fly out with the inexperienced mixer.
7. Have the toddler stir while you hold the bowl. After it is thoroughly mixed, help the toddler out of his seat, wash his hands and thank him for all his help. When the item is finished or cooked, show him the end result. Remind him how he helped make it, and then enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Use the damp paper towel or damp cloth to wipe any spills immediately. Also use them to wipe the toddler as needed.
• Because you used plastic bowls for measuring and mixing, your toddler can help you hand wash them in a sink full of bubbles. He will enjoy the water play and learn to tidy up at the same time.
• Do not allow your toddler to be near a hot, open oven.
• Do not allow your toddler to work at the stove over hot burners.
• Never allow your toddler to stand on a chair at the stove and help you. If he fell or slipped he could get badly burned.
• Do not allow your toddler to run electric mixers.