Guest Author - Jennifer Wolf

Kids just love to help out in the kitchen! Having the opportunity to contribute makes them feel important and valued. Plus, it's a great way to encourage them to try new foods. My daughter has been helping her daddy make his favorite spinach salad with tuna on top for months now, and she just recently discovered that she actually likes tuna fish!

So you may be wondering, how exactly do I get them to help, and what are they capable of doing? Try these suggestions to get you started. Please remember that all of these suggestions require your supervision.

Getting the Kids to Help:

• Assign each child a regular task, like setting the table, or counting out the silverware.
  
• Foster an environment where "we all help each other out." Dinner isn't about being served; it's about creating a meal together that we can all enjoy.
  
• Turn off the TV while you're cooking. This will encourage your children to join the family in the kitchen instead of sitting in front of the TV.
  
• Set out some fruit or fresh veggie sticks to munch on while you're working together.

Children Between the Ages of 2-3 Can Help You:

• Tear lettuce or basil
  
• Snap fresh green beans or sugar snap peas
  
• Pour something from a can into a bowl
  
• Stir or mix items in a bowl
  
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on a pizza

Children Between the Ages of 4-5 Can Help You:

• Measure dry ingredients
  
• Pour dry ingredients into a bowl or mixer
  
• Pour liquid ingredients into a bowl or mixer
  
• Spread butter, cream cheese, or peanut butter onto bread, a bagel, or crackers
  
• Scoop up spoonfuls of cookie dough and drop them onto a cookie sheet

Children Between the Ages of 6-9 Can Help You:

• Measure liquid ingredients
  
• Pour pancake batter
  
• Pour drinks for the whole family
  
• Slice fruit
  
• Slice cheese

Children 10 or Older Can Help You:

• Stir soup or sauce on a stove
  
• Flip pancakes or a grilled cheese
  
• Scramble eggs
  
• Cut up fruits and vegetables
  
• Shape hamburgers, meatballs, or meat loaf (Just be sure to wash those hands before and after!)

Remember, the idea is to have fun and make meal preparations part of the time you regularly spend together. It's a great opportunity to unwind and share the details of your day. Plus, you're passing on a wonderful tradition of eating and living well!