{For your convenience, this post may contain affiliate links}

Both my toddler and preschooler love to shout the words “I do it!” They are in a stage where they want to be our little apprentices in everything we do, and then they want to do it themselves! I adore watching their confidence grow as they are able to accomplish “adult” tasks. One of the areas they like to work alongside me most is in the kitchen.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of “no” answers when they want to help there. The main reason for this no is the safety concern of course! Since we have been working in this kitchen for quite some time now, we are aware of the pointy and rough areas on the countertop, capable of giving serious cut marks, and we know how to avoid them. But these kids, being new to the kitchen could hurt themselves badly, which I certainly do not want. So, without getting the kitchen countertop replaced, maybe by a firm like Stone Boneyard, I cannot let them have a very active role in the kitchen.

Also, I think that we would have to consider contacting a skilled electrician as well. This is because I saw a spark behind my refrigerator the other day. I do not want any mishaps while my kids are inside the kitchen. Therefore, I think I should consider opting for electrical wiring services to find out if there are any issues with the refrigerator or the entire kitchen.

However, when these issues are taken care of, I think they can safely assist me in the kitchen. And that is when I have to find a few activities for them. But I know I cannot leave anything for the last moment, so I have already started searching for activities. Truthfully, in an effort to find things they actually can do, I’ve found several tools that they can safely use in the kitchen right alongside me and daddy! If you want to push it up a notch, you may want to look at giving them color-coded or custom-made tea towels which they can associate with each utensil, so they know what to use and how to practice safe hygiene within the kitchen, especially if different foods are being handled.

Vegetable Slicer

http://amzn.to/1RlW3Am

This is a product we don’t yet have, but I’ve heard great reviews on. The blade is not sharp enough to cut little hands, but it is strong enough to chop green beans, steamed veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, and fruits like apples and bananas.


Vegetable Scrubber

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XYWQW8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000XYWQW8&linkCode=as2&tag=muncandmoms-20&linkId=2NBUCTFFB7PPNE5A

Veggies like potatoes and carrots need a quick scrub to get any residual dirt off of them before cooking. Little hands do a great job helping with this simple task!

Water Pitcher

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZAKV32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004ZAKV32&linkCode=as2&tag=muncandmoms-20&linkId=BEVSWMFWE55VZDAC

This is something we use regularly- a child sized water pitcher. Both my boys have always loved the independence of being able to pour their own water. Taking it a step further, they can use this to pour water for family dinners as well.

Child Friendly Butter Knife

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP424KE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BP424KE&linkCode=as2&tag=muncandmoms-20&linkId=A6VU5OJRNVCFNAN6


These cheese spreader knives are perfect for little hands to help spread jam on a biscuit, butter on bread, or cream cheese on bagels! This is one of my kids favorite way to help in the kitchen!

Nuby Mash and Feed Bowl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MRKXWN8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MRKXWN8&linkCode=as2&tag=muncandmoms-20&linkId=DPYEL5OOSXRUBZWI

We were given this Garden Fresh Mash and Feed Bowl by Nuby for review purposes, however, all opinions are my own.
While this bowl is marketed for parents to conveniently make their own baby food, we have found it very helpful for our preschooler and toddler to help in the kitchen! So far, they have been able to help mash potatoes (small amounts that are perfect serving sizes for them!), make guacamole, mash bananas for banana muffins, and smash apples for applesauce! This is a GREAT tool for little ones to see how food changes during food preparation and cooking. It is BPA free and dishwasher safe. The packaging also comes with a long-handles spoon and lid to store the food. It was super easy for our 3 year old to use independently, a perk he really enjoyed! It is incredibly simple to use, no complicated assembly or small pieces. This is a product that can grow with your family (start using it with baby food, continue using it with preschoolers as they help prepare meals and snacks!). We truly love it!
Adding a little of this and a little of that to his guacamole! It turned out pretty yummy!
How do your preschoolers help in the kitchen? Leave us a comment and keep the conversation going!
Be sure to Follow Nuby in their social media to find out more about their exciting products!