Cooking with Kids: Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks

Ages 2-3

• Wash vegetables
• Tear lettuce
• Stir batter
• Add pre-measured ingredients

Ages 4-5

• Spread with a butter knife
• Mash bananas or avocado
• Use cookie cutters
• Help measure ingredients

Ages 6-8

• Peel vegetables with a peeler
• Crack eggs
• Read simple recipes
• Use a can opener
• Make sandwiches

Ages 9-12

• Use the stove with supervision
• Follow multi-step recipes
• Use a sharp knife with guidance
• Bake from scratch

Ages 13+

• Cook independently
• Plan and shop for meals
• Use all kitchen equipment safely
• Adapt and improvise recipes