Kids in the Kitchen

Young children love to help.

Let’s encourage and inspire our tamariki to develop an appreciation for food, meal preparation and cooking.

Young children are often fussy eaters, but children who help in the kitchen are much more likely to taste and eat the food they have helped to prepare.

BUT…How can they help without making a mess or adding to mealtime stress?

Here are some simple and stress-free ways to include your child in mealtime prep

·        Washing veges and fruit

·        Sprinkling cheese

·        Counting out eggs or other measurements

·        Mixing

·        Pouring in the milk or water

·        Tearing the lettuce

·        Plucking the herbs

These are all great ways to develop fine motor skills too!

The kitchen is a great place to add in some counting. You can also encourage your child to use their sense of smell.

Following simple directions is also great practice for when your child starts school.

In our centre we have a play kitchen to encourage role play and imagination. Our tamariki create some amazing pretend meals for their friends. They also role play what they have seen and heard in their kitchen at home.

Our play kitchen also supports teamwork and social skills. The tamariki get the opportunity to share and take turns. They are also encouraged to listen and consider their friend’s ideas.

Whether your child is in the play kitchen at school or the real kitchen at home, food is a special part of life. We should encourage our children to view kai as positive and social.

Children need to know that food is what gives us energy and helps us to feel strong. As Kaiako we need to ensure healthy eating habits start as young as possible.

More information about healthy eating and habits for 1 year olds can be found here

More information about healthy eating and habits for 2-3 year olds can be found here

More information about healthy eating and habits for 3-5 year olds can be found here