Some days I cook by myself when the situation calls for it, but remember our job isn’t just to get the household tasks done, it’s to train up your children in the way they should go! Children love cooking; there is so much excitement when they receive the invitation to be helpers. I try to start giving age appropriate tasks as young as possible. It builds resolve, poise, and even a sense of surety in the little ones when they have a job they complete and contribute with too.

(Related, how do you feel about this grape, strawberry, small tomato slicer? Game changing useful or not worth a clutter item?)

Below I’ve put together a list of job ideas that work for children, at a variety of ages.

One of the tools in the toolbelt for the kids-in-the-kitchen endeavor would be these children’s knives pictured above. Plastic lettuce knives work for young children as well. But both those marketed as “kid knives” or “lettuce knives” are mostly ugly plastic options.

I like these wooden ones that functionally check the box for what you want in a toddler knife, and are beautiful as well. Three good options on amazon are this wooden paring knife, wooden chef’s knife, and the very cool fish shaped knife. Compared to other kid knives, with these specialized versions I can also start teaching them how I choose which knife for which task.

Now to the ideas for the kids.

1. scrub vegetables
2. add seasonings
3. roll out tortillas, pasta dough, or cookie dough
4. de-stem produce, like grapes
5. read recipe aloud
6. peel fruits and vegetables: I have some peelers I let stay dull for the new learners
7. peel garlic cloves
8. toss vegetables with oil
9. count out quantities
10. snap off ends of produce like asparagus and peas
11. juice lemons and limes
12. shake bottles before opening
13. brush on butter or oil with pastry brush
14. butter bread with butter knife
15. trim and arrange flowers
16. peel hard boiled eggs
17. stir
18. form or spoon out cookie dough balls or biscuits
19. pour ingredients
20. measure: diced or minced vegetables are good ones for toddler practice
21. divide ingredients
22. make name placecards for table settings
23. chop easy items like cucumber or romaine
24. tear lettuces or herbs
25. put away groceries
26. mash fruits or vegetables
27. grease a baking dish
28. grate cheeses
29. skewer kabobs
30. assemble salads
31. flip pancakes or french toast
32. sift flour
33. set table
34. load and unload dishwasher
35. write items on grocery list
36. transfer food to plate
37. garnish dishes and add toppings
38. set timers
39. ring the dinner bell
40. sweep the floor

I try to always have a “shadow” in my work around the home, teaching one of my kids about whatever I am doing when possible. There is so much they can learn just by you narrating aloud what you are doing and why.

Please tell me more ways you’ve found to include kids if you think of some!

Here are some posts on how to actually do some art with children, doing a good job bringing a sympathy meal, and how to dress as a homemaker everyday.