Cooking With Kids

Has your child ever helped you make brownies?

How about broccoli?

Brownies don't usually need a cheerleader. But sometimes broccoli does. Get your kids as excited about eating broccoli as they are about eating brownies by letting them help you prepare healthy vegetables and fruits. Here are some things children can do:

  • Preschool (3 - 5 years old): Rinse fruits and vegetables, snap green beans, tear lettuce, break broccoli flowers, spread soft spreads, mash bananas, mix ingredients, wipe counter tops and table.
  • Elementary School (6 - 8 years old): measure ingredients, cut soft fruits with a butter knife, set the table, crack eggs, peel oranges and find ingredients in a cabinet.
  • Middle School (9 - 12 years old): peel onions and garlic, shred vegetables and cheese, open cans, follow basic recipes, plan a simple meal

 When your kids help out in the kitchen, they build their self-esteem and learn skills they will use for a lifetime.