Chefs in Training: Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen

There are different ways to engage children in the kitchen, depending on their age and skill level. All children can help with menu planning and grocery shopping. Younger children can assist with a variety of simple tasks, from setting the table to mixing ingredients. Older children can prepare simple snacks and dishes themselves. No matter what age your children are, working with them in the kitchen can motivate them to try new and healthier foods.

Tips for Involving Younger Children

Invite your child to:

• Pick out at least one new fruit or vegetable to try, when shopping.
• Wash fruits and vegetables (try the Dunkin' Veggies).
• Rinse canned beans (try the Peanut Butter Hummus).
• Measure dried pasta, beans, vegetables, etc. (try the Buttons and Bows Pasta).
• Add premeasured ingredients to recipes (try the Make-Your-Own Snack Mix).
• Stir ingredients (try the Fruit Skewers With Yogurt Dip).
• Mash potatoes with a masher (try the Shepherd's Pie).
• Stuff ingredients into a pita pocket (try the Empaňapita).
• Assemble food (try the Bruschetta or Quinoa-Stuffed Tomatoes).
• Crumble cheese (try the Bowtie Pasta With Chicken, Broccoli, and Feta).

Tips for Involving Older Children

Invite your child to:

• Peel and slice carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, etc. (try the Wow-y Maui Pasta Salad).
• Pour batter onto the griddle (try the Oatmeal Pecan Waffles (or Pancakes)).
• Flip pancakes (try the Spinach and Corn Pancakes).
• Form meatballs (try the Turkey and Beef Meatballs With Whole-Wheat Spaghetti).
• Coat chicken strips in egg and cereal batter (try the Crunchy Chicken Fingers With Tangy Dipping Sauce).
• Clean countertop surfaces and utensils.
• Slice tomatoes (try the Watermelon and Tomato Salad).
• Thread food onto skewers (try the Grapesicles).
• Help make fresh-roasted red peppers (used in multiple recipes).
• Make a side dish (try the Broccoli and Cheese).
• Make his or her own meal (try the Pita Pizzas).

Note:       It is up to parents to determine what tasks their children can handle.

_______________
™Keep the Beat is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.