Preschool (2 - 5 yrs)

Preschoolers can begin to learn basic concepts that they will need in the kitchen. Keep in mind that their attention spans are short, so small tastks are usually best, particularly those that don’t call for actual prep work.

Stirring batter in a bowl
Rinsing and straining fresh fruits and vegetables
Pouring liquid ingredients
Spreading peanut butter and jelly on bread
Mashing potatoes and other cooked vegetables
Rolling bread or pie dough
Using cookie and biscuit cutters
Whisking pancake batter
Cutting soft fruits and vegetables with dull butter knife/plastic knife
Measuring liquid and dry ingredients

NUTRITION MILESTONES

3 - 5 YEARS

Continues with all previous abilities
Can eat in unfamiliar surrounds with unfamiliar people
Can remain calm when offered new food or disliked food
Can refuse politely
Can wait to eat and tolerate hunger
Is influenced by peers in food preference
Grows as expected

Preteens (9 - 12 yrs)

Preteens should be able to read labels, follow recipes and prepare many parts of simple dishes themselves. They should feel comfortable with basic knife skills, turning on appliances and in some cases be ready to cook on their own.

Trimming and slicing vegetables
Putting foods in the oven and removing them
Working with timers and thermometers
Baking quick breads and muffins
Kneading dough and letting it rise
Cooking Soup
Using specialty appliances such as a panini press and waffle maker
Steaming rice
Roasting vegetables
Cooking pancakes on a griddle
Using a food processor, blender and stand mixer
Frying hamburgers
Using a chef’s knife and other larger knives

NUTRITION MILESTONES

12 - 18 MONTHS

Can tolerate hunger for short periods, delayed gratification
Can join into family meals
Can eat soft solid foods
Develops eye hand coordination for finger and utensil feeding
Can drink from a cup
Grows as expected

Teenagers (13 - 16 yrs)

Teenagers shouldn’t need close supervision and can choose what they would like to cook. They can prepare meals for the family.

Using all kitchen appliances, including safely handling and cleaning the sharp blades of food processors and blends
Developing knife skills to efficiently chop, dice and mince
Baking more complicated yeast doughs and pastries
Making risotto
Marinating foods
Pan frying and grilling steaks, chicken breasts and other meats
Using slicers and mandolins
Using and cleaning outdoor gas and charcoal grills
Deep–frying French fries and chicken

12 - 18 MONTHS

3 - 5 years

nutrition milestones

birth - 3 months

Ability to root, suck and swallow
Can eat until full and signal when hungry
Temperament - alert and calm during feedings
Hand to mouth activity
Grows as expected
Feeding stage: suckling
Nutrition – breast milk or formula

NUTRITION MILESTONES

18 MONTHS - 3 YEARS

Continues with all previous abilities
Participates in family meals
Tastes new foods regularly and adds them to repertoire
Can refuse food without becoming upset
Can accept limits in feeding
Can feed self with utensils with little spilling
Grows as expected

18 MONTHS -

3 YEARS

Young Cook (6 - 8 yrs)

As kids learn to read, the perfect activity is to read cookbooks and follow recipes with your child. You need to decide when your child is ready to begin using adult knives, the stove and oven. Remember to keep close and constant supervision at all times.