The Kitchen: the Goldmine of Toddler Practical Life Activities

"We have observed that of their own accord children actually take the greatest interest in perfecting all the movements of daily life."

- Maria Montessori

Here’s a “fun” fact: if your baby spends any time with you in the kitchen, they’ll want to be a part of kitchen activities before they even learn to walk. They’ll want to see what’s happening on the counter, and soon after, they’ll want to participate or try doing it themselves. This unstoppable interest stems from a child’s natural need to learn about the world around them, and how you respond is very important. If you do what you can to involve your toddler in your family’s regular practical life activities, you’ll dramatically foster their development. Deny them such opportunities, and you risk stifling it.

Whether it’s preparing food, setting the table, or cleaning up, your toddler can participate in the day-to-day tasks of kitchen life. Below, we explore various areas of the kitchen where your child can get involved and share practical activities that support their development.

Food Preparation Area

The food prep area is where you, the adult, likely spend most of your 'kitchen hours.' Starting from around the age of 1, young children will want to become active participants here as well. From washing vegetables to stirring ingredients, this part of the kitchen provides endless opportunities for toddlers to engage in sensory-rich activities. Setting up this space with your child in mind can help foster their independence and confidence.

For starters, consider using a step stool or learning tower that allows your child to safely reach the countertop. This enables them to participate in various food prep tasks. For example, they can help scrub potatoes, peel bananas, or tear lettuce for a salad. Young children love repetitive actions, so giving them tasks like stirring batter or mixing ingredients can be both engaging and satisfying. You can also let your toddler help with washing fruits and vegetables in a small basin of water placed on the counter or at their level on a low table.

A side note about learning towers: the best options are both sturdy and lightweight. While you should always supervise a toddler on a tower, it’s a great benefit if they can move it around on their own.

If you’re making a simple dish like a salad, involve your child by letting them wash and spin the salad greens. The salad spinner is a fascinating tool for toddlers, as they can see the water spin off the leaves, and it provides excellent fine motor practice. You can also give them the task of shelling peas, peeling hard-boiled eggs (my 3-year-old, Alice, is particularly fond of this one), or tearing herbs. These activities not only improve their hand-eye coordination but also give them a sense of accomplishment.

For baking, involve your child by allowing them to measure ingredients, pour flour, or crack eggs. Sure, there might be a bit of a mess, but these experiences are invaluable. You might even notice your child’s enthusiasm grow as they take pride in helping to create a meal or snack for the family.

Lastly, child-oriented utensils can be very helpful. For example, we have a set with child-safe knives, cutting boards, a peeler, etc. By the time she turned three, Alice was able to cut tomatoes, bananas, cucumbers, and other fruits and veggies all by herself. These tools allow children to work independently and safely. Over time, they will learn to handle real kitchen tools with care, giving them a deeper sense of responsibility and freedom.

The Dining Area

The dining area is where your child can practice grace, courtesy, and independence. Creating a child-friendly dining space involves more than just a suitable chair; it’s about setting up an environment where your toddler can participate in meal routines with ease and confidence.

Consider using a Tripp Trapp chair or a similar style that allows your child to sit at the table independently. These chairs are adjustable, enabling your toddler to climb up and down without help, giving them a sense of autonomy. Alternatively, a small table and chair set, placed in the kitchen or dining area, can be perfect for snack times. The lower height allows your child’s feet to rest firmly on the ground, which is crucial for their comfort and focus during meals.

Involve your toddler in setting the table. Set aside a low cupboard or drawer where they can access their plates, bowls, and utensils. They can choose their dishware, bring it to the table, and even arrange the placemats. These actions, while simple, teach your child order and responsibility. For younger children, start with just a plate and cup, gradually adding more items as they grow in skill and confidence.

During meals, encourage your child to serve themselves from small bowls or jugs that you’ve placed on the table. For example, place a small jug of water and a bowl of cereal within reach during breakfast. With time, your child will learn to pour their drink and serve themselves, reinforcing their ability to care for their own needs.

To make mealtime even more special, consider adding flowers to the table or involving your child in saying a simple thank-you song before eating. These small touches can make the dining experience more pleasant and teach your child to appreciate the ritual of coming together to share a meal.

Storage Area for Children’s Tools

A well-organized storage area dedicated to your child’s kitchen tools is essential for fostering independence. By giving your child easy access to their items, you encourage them to take responsibility for their belongings and participate more fully in daily tasks.

Start by designating a low cupboard or shelf where your child’s plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils are stored. Real glass cups, small metal cutlery, and ceramic dishes are preferred over plastic because they teach your child to handle objects with care. While breakages may happen, these are valuable learning experiences. To reduce the risk, remind your child to use two hands when carrying breakable items or when pouring from a jug.

In addition to dishware, have a designated space for cleaning tools. A small broom and dustpan can be hung within easy reach so your child can help sweep up crumbs or spills. Similarly, place cloths or sponges in an accessible spot for wiping up messes. Toddlers love mimicking adults, and these simple tasks are excellent for developing their sense of responsibility.

Consider hanging a child-sized apron on a hook that they can reach. Wearing an apron during food prep or clean-up not only protects their clothes but also signals that they are ready to work. This small routine of putting on an apron can help your child mentally prepare for the tasks ahead and take pride in their contributions.

Summary

The kitchen is a goldmine of practical life activities that can significantly assist your toddler’s development. From the food preparation area, where they can chop, stir, and mix, to the dining area, where they can set the table and serve themselves, every corner of the kitchen holds opportunities for learning and growth. By thoughtfully organizing the space and providing child-sized tools, you enable your child to explore, learn, and become a confident, independent individual. With a bit of patience and encouragement, the kitchen will become a place where your child not only helps out but also thrives in their newfound responsibilities.