5 Published Apr 15, 2020, Updated Jan 17, 2022 For those of you with toddlers or older kiddos this is the perfect time to get them in the kitchen to help prep recipes and learn the basics of cooking. Who knows, you might just find that you have a budding chef on your hands. If your babe is still young or just getting started with solids, be sure to check out my baby food recipes.
Tips for Involving Your Kids in the Kitchen
I am so excited for when Olivia can actually help me in the kitchen! Since reading Bringing up Bébé when I was pregnant with her I’ve had plans to get one of those kitchen helper stools. And I can’t wait to help Olivia make the yogurt cake for toddlers that the author talks about in the book. I know it can seem stressful and more difficult to bring your kids in the kitchen to cook, but these are valuable life skills they will have for the rest of their lives! Make sure you are not rushed or stressed out before bringing your kids into the kitchen. Pick an open morning or afternoon where you have no other plans, but to be present with them. And don’t worry about things getting messy. You’ll be able to clean everything up at the end. I have broken up certain tasks by age range, but obviously you know your kid best. Have them help where you’re comfortable. Age 2-5
Rinse produce in a bowl or in the sinkDump measured ingredients into the mixing bowlMix simple ingredientsPrep herbs and fruits – picking grapes off vine, picking herbs off stem, tear lettuce leaves for salad, etc.Mash ingredients like bananas or potatoes
Age 6-7
Crack eggsPractice cutting fruits and vegetables with a kid-friendly knifeCount out itemsRoll cookies or energy balls into doughPractice reading recipe out loud
Age 8-9
Use a can openerMeasure out ingredientsJuice citrus fruitsPeel vegetablesRead and follow instructions to mix up batter on their own
Age 10-12
Safely attend to items on the stovetop – boiling noodles, simmering ingredients in a saucepanRead recipe and instruct sous chefsSlice and chop vegetablesLearn how to use other kitchen appliances like a blender, food processor, etc.
And, if you need kid-friendly recipe ideas, I’ve got you covered!
Kid-Friendly Meals
Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Throw chocolate chips into their pancakes and your kids will have no idea they’re eating something that’s packed with protein and other healthy ingredients!Oatmeal Cups – A favorite among families! Have everyone customize their own oatmeal cups with their flavor of choice.Protein Mac and Cheese – Yep, I upgraded the classic and added veggies to everyone’s favorite meal.Chicken Fingers – These baked chicken fingers are paleo and 100% kid approved. One of my most popular recipes!Chicken Nuggets – Make these chicken nuggets at home for a healthy spin. Serve with this homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce and your kiddos will be amazed by your cooking abilities.BBQ Jackfruit – Haven’t heard of jackfruit? No problem! A healthy take on BBQ pulled pork or shredded chicken, your kids will love shredding up the canned jackfruit. Serve on a bun with slaw or in a wrap!Quinoa Fried Rice – A mom in the EBF Facebook group says her kids request this all.the.time! My response? Do they know how many veggies they’re eating?! LOL!Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos – Make a deal with your kids… you can have nachos for dinner if the base is cauliflower! They won’t even realize they’re eating the healthy, upgraded version. Okay, they might realize it… but they’ll still love them!Fries – Okay, not a meal, but I highly recommend serving any of my veggie fries with your main dishes. I’ve got zucchini fries, butternut squash fries, sweet potato fries, jicama and turnip fries. Who’s trying them all?
Fun Kid Snacks and Desserts
Avocado Dirt Cups – Trust me when I say, your kids will LOVE making and eating these dirt cups!Protein Muddy Buddies – Muddy buddies with a protein boost? Yes please! The protein will help avoid the sugar spike and keep your kids fuller, longer.Hemp Granola – Multiple mamas in the Facebook group say their kids love this granola! Straight out of the jar or with fruit and yogurt, this granola is a hit.Apple Nachos – Your kids can build their own healthy and sweet nachos by adding their preferred toppings! I love mine with date caramel, chocolate chips and granola.Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Make ice cream at home with just six ingredients – no ice cream maker needed! No one will know the base has avocados either!Chocolate Banana Ice Cream – One of my personal favorite desserts! It whips up in a flash with minimal ingredients.No Bake Energy Balls – Make these for your kids or hide away for your personal sweet stash! They’re so easy and so dang good!SunButter Energy Bites – The perfect nut-free snack bites for kiddos to take to school!
Snickers Stuffed Dates – Again, awe your kids and make snickers at home! Step by step instructions break down what kids can help with and what’s better for the adults.Peanut Butter Cups – Make healthier peanut butter cups with just five ingredients!Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites – It doesn’t get much simpler than this! Your kiddos can help you slice the bananas, spread the peanut butter and dunk into chocolate!Vanilla Cake Balls – Anyone else feel like they want to be surrounded by bright, happy colors right now? These cake balls fit the bill… bring on the sprinkles!PB & J Bars – A fun take on the classic sandwich we all know and love!Chocolate Almond Crispy Bites – Warning! These are dangerously delicious. Bonus points for being made with only five ingredients!Homemade Granola Bars – No need to purchase store-bought bars when you can make your own.Double Chocolate Muffins – Chocolate on chocolate? Yes please! You’d never guess that each muffin is packed with 13 grams of protein.Vegan Blueberry Muffins – These have been a hit in the EBF community! Perfectly moist and fluffy, the whole family will love these muffins.Fruit and Nut Bars – Nutty, chewy and slightly sweet, these are the perfect snack to have on hand for everyone!Monster Cookies – One of my favorite childhood treats! They’re thick and chewy and so easy to whip up.
More Recipes and Posts You Might Enjoy
100+ Soy-Free Dairy-Free Recipes for Nursing Mamas18 Breastfeeding Snacks for New MamasHealthy Lactation CookiesHow to Make Oatmeal For BabiesBanana Pancakes for BabiesKid’s Gift Guide
I’d love to hear from you! Do you enjoy having your kiddos in the kitchen with you? What’s your favorite thing to make with them?
