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Written by Diane Whitten, Cornell Cooperative Extension

A primary self-sufficiency skill is food preparation. Encourage your child to help in the kitchen and develop kitchen skills and the satisfaction of preparing food for themselves and the family. Depending on your child’s age and developmental stage they can do certain kitchen tasks. When kids are encouraged to help in the kitchen it can increase their self-confidence.

Age-Appropriate Kitchen Activities

 

2-4 Years
• Develop fine motor skills
• Wash produce
• Mix ingredients with spoon or hands
• Spread butter or icing
• Roll, shape and cut dough
• Pour liquids

8-11 Years
• Can complete simple recipes independently
• Whisk with a handheld mixer or whisk
• Boil eggs and pasta
• Use vegetable peeler
• Grate cheese
• Open cans

5-7 Years
• Introduce more difficult cooking skills
• Measure dry ingredients
• Clean and sanitize counters
• Cut with butter knife
• Mash soft foods, like fruit, hard-boiled egg
• Crack egg

12+ Years
• Challenge them with more complex recipes
• Understand the basic science of cooking
• Use oven and stove safely
• Whip egg whites
• Handle raw meat safely
• Use chef knife

Any Age: Chef's Jacket or Apron

2-4 years: Set of measuring cups and spoons

2-4 years: Mixing bowl & spatula set

8-11 years: Vegetable peeler

Wire egg collecting basket

Farm kids need to do chores. Collecting eggs from the chicken coop is a perfect chore for young children.

12+ Years: Set of chef knives