It’s amazing to me that even at the tender age of 2, my son is capable of helping in the kitchen. And, what’s more, he WANTS to help. As long as it doesn’t involve a sharp knife or something hot (stove, oven, etc), I love having him contribute. He gets the biggest kick out of pulling over a chair (so he can be counter-height) and telling us “I’m being helpful!”. I love seeing the pride in his face.
Having toddlers help with meal prep is a great way for them learn what it takes to actually put a meal on the table. It also helps teach independence, problem solving, cooperation, and patience.
Not sure how to get your toddler involved? Here are some sample activities to try (Just make sure you allot a little extra time to account for this additional help). Use your best judgment to determine which tasks are appropriate for your toddler, as each child’s ability will vary, but I do challenge you to dole out one or two tasks that you think of as “stretch” tasks- just to see if your kid can do it. You may be surprised at what that little one can accomplish!
