12 Ways Kids Can Help in the Kitchen

Preparing food is an inevitable part of parenting. Finding ways for your kids to help in the kitchen can help turn a monotonous task into an opportunity for quality time and valuable lessons.

1) Meal Plan

Your child can choose what the family will have for dinner one or two nights, or plan lunches for the week.

2) Groceries

Writing out a grocery list will allow your child to practice spelling and handwriting skills. While shopping, you can incorporate a math lesson by teaching your older child how to compare prices to get the most value for your dollar. Let your preschooler count out how many potatoes you need. As long as you don't mind a can of tomato sauce in your fridge, even toddlers can help put the groceries away once home.

3) Crack Eggs

Have your child crack the egg into an empty bowl so any shell fragments can be fished out easily.

4) Mash Bananas

Even a toddler can help with this task. For bread or a puree, the easiest way to do it is on a flat cutting board with a fork.

5) Cookie Cutter Fun

Not just for sugar cookies- your child can use cookie cutters to cut out biscuits from rolled dough. He or she can also use them to make fun shapes out of sandwiches and pancakes.

6) Top a Pizza

Your child is an artist, and a pizza crust is his canvas. Spread sauce on with a basting brush, then let your child sprinkle your family's favorite toppings around.

7) Shape Meatballs

Raw meat can carry bacteria, but if you give your child a pair of plastic gloves, he or she can roll out meatballs while you work on something else.

8) Tear Lettuce

Cutting lettuce with a knife can cause it to brown on the edges. Instead, let your child gently (or not) tear rinsed lettuce into salad size pieces.

9) Do the Math

If you have an elementary school student struggling with fractions, baking is a great way to perfect those math skills. Let your child figure out the exact measurements for doubling or halving a recipe, then enjoy a sweet reward.

10) Garnish

Aesthetically pleasing food is more fun to eat, and letting your child dress it up is another fun way they can be involved in the kitchen. Have them sprinkle paprika on deviled eggs, add cherry tomatoes to the salad, or even put a sprig of parsley on each plate.

11) Set the Table

Older children can set the table properly, with a fork on the left and a spoon and knife on the right. Smaller children can place cups and napkins on the table.

12) Clean Up

Cleaning the kitchen goes faster when you enlist help. Your child can help with tasks like clearing the table and wiping down surfaces.