Toddler Activities: Simple, Fun Ways To Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 Posted by Jolly Mom
Lucas loves to pretend cook so I try to give him as many opportunities in the real kitchen as I can {read: without losing my mind-lol}. It is really such a great learning opportunity though and it doesn't have to be difficult or too messy if you set everything up ahead of time. For instance, the other day I got out some plastic cookie cutters, whole wheat bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a play knife from Lucas' pretend kitchen. I set everything up, put an apron on Lucas, and let him go to town making his own PB&J for lunch that day. He loved cutting shapes out of the bread with the cookie cutters, but his favorite part was definitely spreading the peanut butter and jelly on the bread. There was a lot of licking of utensils going on that's for sure {lol}! He really had a blast and it wasn't even that messy!
Another thing that I often do--especially when Lucas is being clingy and I need to cook--is put some healthy cereal and a little bit of milk into a large mixing bowl {needs to be large so it won't easily tip over}. Then, I give him measuring cups, a wooden spoon, other utensils that are safe for a toddler, and spice jars that are tightly closed. He loves "mixing" his cereal and milk and he feels like he is really cooking. Meanwhile, mom is able to get dinner started, clean the kitchen, or fold the laundry!
November 3, 2009 8:00 AM
Like the cereal idea!
Another idea is to make a sensory tub that you can keep filled and bring out when you are cooking dinner. To make one - fill a Rubbermaid tub (any size that works for you) with rice, dried bean, dried pasta, etc. Kids can use measuring spoons, plastic containers, spoons, etc. to play.
November 3, 2009 8:00 AM
Lucas looks like such a big boy spreading that peanut butter!! Graham said... "Look.. there's LuTas" LOL!
November 3, 2009 8:31 AM
Love the PB & J idea!
November 3, 2009 11:07 AM
All of my kids love to cook! I do a biweekly (kinda, sorta..lol) cooking series on my blog and this PB&J idea was the first episode all of my kids have always loved it!
November 3, 2009 5:09 PM
I love the cookie cutter sandwiches. Maybe I should do that to spice up my daughter lunch box.
November 3, 2009 8:38 PM
Great ideas! I love the photos and the apron he is wearing.
November 4, 2009 12:09 AM
You're such a great mom! I have yet to let my kids make themselves a sandwich, and Logan is already 5! LOL! I'll have to let loose and let them do this tomorrow.
Lucas looks adorable in that apron! Looks like he's doing a wonderful job!
Thanks for the great ideas!
How's everything going with you? =)
November 10, 2009 4:23 PM
I'm a big fan of Lucas' apron, too.
He looks adorable making his sandwich and cutting out the shapes. He is getting to be such a big boy, I can't believe it!
Thanks for sharing such a great tip and such beautiful photos.
November 12, 2009 7:32 PM
I love to do this same thing with Lizzie! Sometimes I will give her a really big mixing bowl and a wooden spoon and a few spices that I never use (like lemon peel and orange peel). Then she can pour them into the bowl and mix! Once I gave her some rice and dry beans and she had a blast!
November 15, 2009 11:04 PM
great idea! ANd so cute.. he is adorable!
December 3, 2009 9:11 AM
I love spending time in the kitchen with my kids. Sometimes it is hard for me to slow down and let them work at their own pace when I am trying to get things done to prepare meals or bake, but it is always so rewarding in the end. Plus, now that my kids are a little older, they actually know how to do a lot on their own. My 9 year old son surprised me by fixing me breakfast in bed - all on his own!
January 3, 2011 2:27 PM
Thanks for the tips - always looking for some.
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Carol
July 14, 2011 6:50 AM
Teaching kids how cooking is fun. Family cooking brings your family together. While anyone can order food from outside and sit in front of the TV, it takes a fair amount of effort to make a quality meal. Involving the kids in the process won’t only teach them about healthy eating and encourage independence, but will also make them more eager to sit at the table and enjoy the fruits of their labor - something many families these days are sorely missing.