My toddler is also my sous chef. The truth is, having him prepare dinner with me is easier than having him hang on my leg. Not only can toddlers be helpful, but they can also learn a whole lot in the kitchen. Research shows that toddlers learn best through incidental learning. Incidental learning is learning that happens naturally in the environment.
So…learning that happens without anyone even knowing that it is happening…pretty sneaky, huh?
Flash cards? Carefully planned Pinterest activities? Not examples of incidental learning. Although these things can have value as well–we know that toddlers should be learning by doing. And when possible, this learning should take place in their natural environment–the home.
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During the quality time we spend cooking together, we are working on math. Without even knowing it, we are building on basic skills by measuring and adding ingredients as we pour them together. As we discuss new words and practice following simple directions we are building language and communication skills.
Perhaps most importantly is the boost toddlers get socially from helping in the kitchen. Teaching them to use real kitchen tools to make real food allows them to demonstrate that they are capable little humans. They can celebrate small accomplishments and be proud make every time they chop, peel, and measure a vegetable.
To get your kiddo started in the kitchen, it is important that you have the right tools to fit the small hands of a toddler. The following 11 tot-sized items allow our little guy to really get his hands dirty and be a helper in the kitchen, after all–he had to earn that title of sous chef.
Reminder: All cooking and food preparation should be very closely supervised at all times.
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Learning Tower
This is where is really begins. You have to get the kiddos up to the counter-height in order to do real cooking. We love our Learning Tower and were able to find it second hand on Craigslist. They are fairly easy to find used and have good resale value when your kids grow out of it. Alternatively, you can attempt a hack to make it cheaper if you are crafty. We even added a ship wheel to ours to make it more fun.
Rubber Bottom Bowls
These rubber bottom bowls prevent the bowl from slipping off the counter when small hands get aggressive excited about stirring.
Little Whisk
Two-Handed Chopper
This chopper allows small children to use two hands and lean their body weight forward to chop harder foods (think carrots, apples, potatoes…that sort of thing).
Push Down Mini Chopper
Knives
Vegetable Peeler
The size and orientation of this peeler are ideal for toddlers. Physically they are able to exert more force by pulling down on this horizontally-orientated peeler, as opposed to swiping side to side with a vertically-orientated one. The 4 inch size is great for small hands…and it comes in a lot of fun colors.
Orange Juicer
Making orange juice is very popular in our house. It is easier to do with small juicy oranges like clementines or cuties. I suggest this juicer that allows the juice to collect in a clear glass or plastic container. Otherwise, you are going to have the toddler taking it all apart every 6 seconds to see their progress.
Cherry Chomper
The Cherry Chomper is not super useful during most parts of the year–when fresh cherries are hard to find…but ridiculously fun and popular when cherries are in season.
Mini Cheese Grater
This perfectly sized cheese grater is useful for grating cheese, carrots, zucchini, or any other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Spiralizer
We don’t have one of these spiralizers yet, but it is on our Wish List. Our toddler also loves this little PlayDough set that involves a similar crank and turn function…except the bonus here is that you can eat the fruits of your labor (although we know most toddlers eat PlayDough anyways, right?).
Do you have any favorite tools that you use with your kids?
Want to read more? : Why you might be feeding your kids too many healthy snacks.
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