Cooking Meals for Kids

Audrey and Valerie getting ready to help in the kitchen

My girls love to help me cook in the kitchen. They climb up on the stools at our kitchen island and they want to do whatever they can to help. Sometimes it’s a challenge for me because usually when they help, the kitchen gets a lot messier. But, I’ve found that when I relax and let them assist me  then we really have a lot of fun. Here are just some of the tasks that my girls (ages 4 and 6) like to do:

• Break eggs into a bowl, sometimes we then have to pick the little pieces of shell out again but that’s ok!
• Add or pour whatever ingredient is in the measuring cup into the bowl.
• Stir the wet or dry mixture in the bowl.
• Spray the pan with cooking spray.
• Put cupcake liners in the cupcake pan.
• Smash cookies or crackers into crumbs (in a ziplock bag).
• Decorate with chocolate chips, candies or sprinkles.
• Be the official taste tester! (And lick the spoon and/or bowl)

My 6 year old is beginning to be able to read me the recipe which is very helpful. And older kids can do even more to help. I know my kids just like being in the kitchen with me and being involved.