The Kitchen Environment

Setting Up the Environment

For the Pantry

Save some of the lower shelves for your child. These shelves would include prepacked snacks – raisins, crackers, dry cereal, etc. These items can be purchased pre-packaged or you can pack them yourself in containers with a serving suitable to a child. Arrange them neatly on the shelf using a basket or similar container. When your child is hungry, he will know where to go for a quick snack. In the pantry you can also store essential items for your child to clean up. These items could include napkins, paper towels, a dustpan, and broom.

For Cooking and Food Preparation

All children love to help in the kitchen; they just need a few items to be successful. One item that can help your child feel like a part of the kitchen is a child-sized apron. Your child can wear this anytime when he is working and helping in the kitchen. Other items your child can use in the kitchen include a serrated knife, a small cutting board, an apple slicer, mixing bowls, and small spatulas. All of these items can be on a low shelf in the kitchen that your child can access. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables can be stored in a bin in the refrigerator that your child can also access. Children can learn very early

Suggested Items:

Packaged Snacks Serrated Knife

Baskets

Paper Towels

Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Apple Slicer

Utensils

Spatulas Small Glasses

Stepstool Small Table & Chair

Small Pitcher

Placemat

Napkins

Dustpan & Broom

Apron how to handle a knife safely and how to cut up fruit and vegetables. They can also help with baking if provided with the appropriate tools that are small enough to fit in their hands, but sturdy enough to do the job. Another important thing to consider is the height of the counters. As in most homes, they are made with the adult in mind. So, it’s important to have a sturdy stepstool or small table and chair that would be suitable for your child to work at. The stepstool could also come in handy for when your child wants to work at the stove, with adult supervision, or for when your child needs to do something at the sink.

For the Table

Your child should have access to a small pitcher filled with juice, milk, or even water. There should also be small glasses available for him to use within reach on a low shelf in the kitchen. Your child should have a placemat and a supply of spoons, forks, and butter knives – child sized. Children take pride at being able to set their own table. Given appropriate tools, guidance, and patience, your child can be very successful and independent in the kitchen at home.