Cooking with Kids Made Easy
Please note that this post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase the products after clicking on the links.
Cooking is a lifelong skill that can be started earlier than you might think! Getting kids in the kitchen as early as 18 months can help build confidence and encourage healthy eating habits. In today’s post I’ll discuss the benefits of cooking with your kids, age-appropriate ways to get them involved, and tips for making the whole process a little smoother. I’ll also share some easy beginner recipes that most kids love.
Benefits of getting kids in the kitchen
Cooking has benefits for kids and adults alike. The earlier you start cooking with your kids, the more chances they have to learn, grow, and enjoy the process. Cooking together can:
Build lifelong food skills, like chopping, stirring, and assembling, that will serve them well as they grow.
Encourage adventurous eating, since kids are more likely to try what they’ve helped make.
Boost confidence and independence through hands-on success.
Reinforce math, science, and motor skills by measuring, observing changes, and using tools.
Allow you to spend quality time with your kids while also getting a meal on the table!
Age-Appropriate Ways to Get Kids Involved
Are you wondering what your kids can start doing in the kitchen? Here are some ideas broken down by age:
Toddlers (1.5–3 years):
Washing produce
Tearing herbs or lettuce
Slicing bananas or avocados with a wooden knife
Pouring pre-measured ingredients
Stirring (with supervision)
Preschoolers (3–5):
Spreading (nut butter, sauces)
Scooping batter into muffin tins
Peeling bananas or eggs
Cutting soft foods with a kid-safe knife
School-age (6+):
Chopping, cracking eggs, flipping pancakes
Reading simple recipes
Assembling salads, wraps, or smoothie bowls
Stirring at the stove (with help)
Tips for cooking with kids
Though the idea of cooking with kids might seem a bit daunting at first, a little preparation can go a long way in making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Some helpful tips include:
Pre-measure or pre-cut a few ingredients so you can focus more on helping your kids.
Avoid cooking when everyone is hungry; try a time earlier in the day or on weekends.
Use kid-friendly tools like learning towers, step stools, child-safe knives, and small mixing bowls.
Don’t worry about the mess! It's part of the process, and cleaning up after can be a great learning opportunity.
Don’t expect perfection!
Easy Recipes to Try Together
Kids can learn to cook all kinds of things, but some easy things to start with include:
Smoothie bar - Set out chopped fruits, leafy greens, plain yogurt, nut or seed butter, and a liquid base like milk or oat milk. Let kids mix and match to create their own smoothie blend.
Mini pizzas - Use taco-size tortillas or English muffins as the base. Offer toppings like pizza sauce, shredded cheese, chopped veggies, and sliced chicken so kids can customize their own.
No-bake energy bites - Combine mashed banana or chopped dried fruit with oats and nut/seed butter for a fun and filling snack.
Yogurt parfait - Older kids can layer yogurt, chopped fruit, granola, or nuts to build their own colorful parfait.
Banana muffins - A great baking starter! Skip the nuts or chocolate chips for toddlers to keep things simple and safe.
Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, it can be a fun, rewarding way to teach life skills, build confidence, and make lasting memories together. Start small, keep it simple, and enjoy the process. I’d love to hear about the recipes you and your kids like to make in the comments below!
