Kids in the kitchen

Mr. J decorating cupcakes

My kids love to help me in the kitchen, so I thought I would put together some tips for those of you that don't know how to have your kids help - or not sure where to start.

First off - safety is key. Make sure they are not using the stove/oven and are away from sharp instruments

• have everything ready to go; I can't tell you how frustrating it is trying to get everything ready and measured properly with kids pulling on your legs, grabbing ingredients from the cupboard or asking a million and 1 questions. Get all your ingredients together, measured and put away before bringing the kids in (of course, this is dependent on their ages)
• let them be messy; it's a pain for you, but fun for them and as they get older they will learn
• let them do it their way (for the most part, you need to follow the directions but if they don't do it EXACTLY how you would, that's ok)
• give them age appropriate tasks*
• let them experiment - it gives them a feeling of confidence to be allowed to make their own creations (we have had some very interesting ones around here)
• teach them - explain why your doing what your doing and how you hope it will turn out
• if it doesn't turn out - let them know that it is OK - and you will try again another day
• make it fun - turn on some music, have a dance party while the cookies are baking or cupcakes are cooling off

Some ideas for jobs kids can do that are age appropriate

2-3 year olds 

• pour in pre-measured ingredients
• stir with a spoon
• line muffin tins with paper liners
• use cookie cutters to help cut out shapes
• set their place at the table
• help decorate cakes/cookies/cupcakes etc

3-5 year olds

• help to set table/clear table after eating
• help with dishes
• scoop cookie dough or cupcake batter
• try and create their own recipe/ideas
• peel potatos/apples (under parental supervision using a peeler)