Table of Contents
I hear it from parents all the time “my child just doesn’t want to eat the foods I make!” Mealtime with kids can feel like a constant battle. I like to work with families to make mealtime an interactive activity that can help your child grow up to be healthier.
In the video below, Amanda Haney discusses how getting your children involved in the kitchen helps them develop a healthy appetite.
Continue reading for more information.
Did you know kids are more likely to sit down for a meal with their family if they helped prepare it? Studies also show that kids who help prepare their meals tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and have a healthier weight.
Therefore, I recommend you include your child in meal preparation with some of these age-appropriate activities. In this article, I’ll discuss ways to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
RELATED: Multivitamins for Children: Exactly What You Need To Know
Less than 3 years old
Children are curious about their environment at this age. Allow them to hold foods and utensils. Identify cooking objects and kitchen appliances. Narrating what you are doing around the kitchen will help them become familiar with their surroundings and pique their curiosity.
4 – 5 years old
At this age, kids start to count, identify food colors, and name fruits and vegetables. They can begin to prepare foods by helping with basic tasks. Washing fresh produce, mixing simple ingredients in a salad, or using a plastic knife to chop soft fruits or vegetables are all fun activities. Kids can also help set the table, set timers, and help with kitchen clean-up.
RELATED: 10 Alternatives To Candy For Halloween Trick-or-Treaters
6 – 7 years old
Fine motor skills are becoming more developed. Kids can help with more complex tasks and use more kitchen tools. Try letting them peel vegetables with a peeler, crack eggs into a bowl, or use blunt scissors to chop fresh herbs. Stirring and mixing are other important tasks you can delegate since they are much less messy at this age!
RELATED: Phytochemicals: Uncover the Super Food Craze & Boost Your Health
8 – 9 years old
Kids naturally want to get messy! Let them pound meats with a tenderizer, peel fruits and vegetables, open packages with scissors or a can opener, and mix ingredients with their hands.
As reading skills develop, kids are more aware of the cooking process. Assign them entire steps in the meal preparation process and watch their confidence soar!
10 – 12 years old
Help preteens feel more independent by giving them even more responsibilities. With supervision, they can begin to help boil pasta or vegetables, simmer and stir ingredients over the stove, and bring foods in and out of the oven.
13+ years old
Autonomy is very important during adolescence. Friends and junk food marketing heavily influence food choices. Help your child feel in charge of their food choices by allowing them to select meals to prepare and picking out their own selections at the grocery store.
For a fun challenge, let them prepare dinner for the entire family one evening! Skills and abilities can vary widely, so tailor tasks to each child’s maturity level. Most importantly, have fun!
Have any questions? Comment below or reach out to your local registered dietitian for more information!