Kids love to help cook when given the chance. Children who learn how to fix food feel that they are doing jobs that are helpful. Doing a task and being praised helps build self-esteem. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

Safety for all ages:

• Wash hands in warm, soapy water before preparing food.
• Wash hands, tools, and counter after touching raw meat, fish, or poultry and before touching other foods.Keep the kitchen clean.
• Cold foods must never be out of the refrigerator longer than two hours.

Children of the same age may do things at different rates. The following guidelines will help you decide what your child might be able to do in the kitchen. Watch your child and change the job if they have problems doing the task.

Ages 2 1/2 -3

• Wash fruits and vegetables
• Stir batters
• Slice soft foods (cooked potatoes, bananas) or spread (peanut butter, frosting) with a table knife
• Get cans from low cupboards
• Measure (raisins into a measuring cup)

Ages 4-5

• Grease pans
• Open packages
• Set table (with directions)
• Shape dough for cookies.
• Wash and tear lettuce for salad, separate broccoli or cauliflower
• Place toppings on pizza or snacks

Ages 6-8

• Set table
• Make a salad
• Find foods in cupboard
• Shred cheese or vegetables
• Use microwave, blender or toaster oven (if they have helped before)
• Roll and shape cookies

Ages 9-12

• Depending on experience, plan and prepare an entire meal