My children are always clamoring to see what’s happening in the kitchen. Why? Because kitchens are inviting. And, my family happens to spend a lot of time in ours. Food is much more than just a practical need in our house. Both my husband and I enjoy the creative aspects of cooking and choose to feed our children healthy and tasty food.
I heard the call early on to make our kitchen more child-friendly. Missing the appropriate children’s activities, I was often holding a toddler while also trying to chop, cook, and maneuver hot pans. This didn’t work. Plus, my kids have always been eager to help, which is a trait that I like to encourage.
The many ways to prepare a kitchen to be more child-friendly varies greatly according to size, needs, age of children; so please just consider this list a launching point.
Tips to make your kitchen more child-friendly:
- make a work-space for your child, with either a child-sized table or sturdy stool to safely use the counter space (see picture at bottom)
- store silverware, plates, bowls, glasses, and napkins (at least a few sets) on a low shelf or drawer
- store snacks and a small pitcher with water on a low shelf in the refrigerator
- store a few other activities (art, play dough, etc) in the kitchen so the child can be nearby even when not interested in cooking
- provide cutting board and child-friendly knife to be used under supervision
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- using counter space with help of the Learning Tower
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- a wavy, serrated knife clearly shows sharp edge to child
Understanding your child’s zing will help you to create the most inviting, purposeful kitchen space. Your child’s participation in the kitchen is an important step toward shaping his interest in contributing to the household in a meaningful and productive way. As you are considering how to improve your kitchen space, remember, the best way to encourage your child is to help him to feel successful. Big mishaps or stern correction might discourage the child from trying these activities in the future.
Below is a list of some activities, depending on interest and ability, that will entice your child into the kitchen:
- age appropriate space for your child (bottom drawer full of non-breakables for the 14-month-old or small table for the 2.5-year-old)
- setting the table (outline the place setting on placemats so child can learn appropriate placement)
- helping to clear the table after a meal
- washing some fruits and vegetables
- small, simple chopping jobs
- washing a few dishes
- loading or unloading portions of the dishwasher
- measuring and mixing ingredients
How has your child asked to participate in the kitchen? What have your responses been to these requests?
Daughter comfortably washing dishes, while standing on the Learning Tower.
See tips for the other rooms in your home here:
- To “proof” or “ready” the house for baby?
- Kid-friendly bedroom
- Choosing Toys Wisely
- Toys, toys everywhere
we also spend lots of time in the kitchen. my girls LOVE to take part of the food preparation, or just be next to me.
our kitchen is very very small. and some times it gets a bit crowded and intense (especially when every one is really hungry). so we have developed a couple of games that keep them busy while i rush through making something dissent to eat.
the first game is smell the spice rack, they will spend long minutes smelling the different spices describing them in detail. i try to spice it up by keeping some “exotic” spices such as rose petals, safran, cinnamon sticks, cardamon and so on.
the other game is guessing what’s in your mouth. they take turn covering their eyes, and feeding each other with food samples i hand to them. they do the same with smells. they love this game.
thank you for your post, as always.
cheers
tali
Great tips. My kids used to love being in the kitchen with me when they were little. Now that they are teens they are rather more self-occupying and I need to entice them into the kitchen with a challenge!
I love Montessori Services. Their items are so down-to-Earth and affordable.
I love Tali’s ideas of food related games to play with her kids while she is busy in the kitchen. It often takes 15-20 exposures to a new food before it is tolerated – and her kids are playing their way to great eating habits!
Personally, I have developed a whole business around cooking with kids – What’s Cooking teaches healthy and seasonal classes and parties for kids. I love what I do! Now only if I can figure out how it can survive the economy…
Nice to find your blog through the problogger challenge!
We live in the kitchen! Great information here.
I don’t know what we’d do without the learning tower!
Nice article
kids can learn about cooking that is a nice idea
thanks