Right now, my 13 and 10-year-old children are making lunch for our family. I didn’t have to bribe them into it; they asked. This didn’t happen out of the blue—cooking and kitchen independence is something they’ve been practicing since they were toddlers. 

How can you safely teach your children independence in the kitchen? Here are my best tips and insights as a Montessori teacher and mom of three.

Why Young Children Crave Independence

“Me do it!” is an expression parents often hear from their toddlers as they attempt a challenging task. Toddlers demand and crave independence as part of their development. The drive and persistence of toddlers is an admirable, if sometimes frustrating, trait. 

When toddlers assert independence, it may show up as defiance. That’s where the popular name “terrible twos” comes from. Yet, independence also helps children learn to think for themselves and make smart decisions as they grow older. Additionally, independence helps children develop self-confidence.

Dr. Montessori noticed this and created a curriculum area called “practical life” that helps toddlers meet their need to become independent. For example, children practice spooning dried grains from one bowl to another, tying ribbons, and even learn how to prepare a snack.

Are Montessori Kitchen Activities Safe for Kids?

With the right tools and supervision, Montessori kitchen activities are perfectly safe. Before inviting your child to help in the kitchen, create a safe space for them to work. You’ll want to start with activities away from the stove and remove any sharp tools, such as knives. 

Also, toddlers can follow simple instructions, like “no climbing on counters,” or “you need a grown-up to be with you in the kitchen.” Practice setting these rules together. Through practice, your child will soon learn to work safely in the kitchen

Baby Steps Lead to Responsibility and Confidence

Montessori kitchen activities are adjusted to your child’s capabilities to keep them safe. Over time, their skills and abilities will grow.

At 7, 10, and 13, my children are all capable of cooking a simple meal on their own. They didn’t learn to do this in the last year or two. As toddlers, they started helping with basic tasks like stirring, pouring, or even just watching me. Then, slowly, I gave them more responsibilities, and they practiced more challenging skills. 

Montessori Tips for Independence in the Kitchen

Wondering how to involve your toddler in the kitchen the Montessori way? Here are some tips:

Participation Doesn’t Require Special Preparation

You don’t need a lot to get started. Simply inviting your child to watch what you’re doing is a great start. Then, invite them to give it a try when appropriate. 

For example, if you’re making pancakes, invite your toddler to mix the batter. Or, if you’re chopping vegetables for dinner, offer them a child-safe knife and cutting board so they can try it out. 

Using Toddler Towers to Facilitate Independence

Kitchens are built for adults. A Toddler Tower offers your child a boost so they can safely reach countertops, the sink, and the dining room table. The safety rail keeps your child from stepping off the platform and enhances safety.

Piccalio offers two beautifully designed Toddler Towers made of non-toxic, FSC©-certified wood. The Foldable Toddler Tower is perfect for smaller kitchens, as you can tuck it away when not in use. Plus, it’s easy to carry around the house to the bathroom, and other places your child could use a boost. 

The Convertible Toddler Tower transforms from a tower into a table and chair so your child can sit and eat after cooking. The little table and bench also provide a lovely space for reading, arts and crafts, or playing.

Offer Direction with Hearth’s Chore Lists and Routines

As your child grows, you can assign your child tasks using Hearth’s Routines, Lists, and To-Dos. From washing their hands at the kitchen sink to emptying the dishwasher, or washing produce,  assigning your little helper tasks helps them build a sense of responsibility. Plus, they’ll love checking off each task as they finish it.

Montessori Kitchen Activities to Try

Wondering what to teach your toddler in the kitchen? In addition to helping you prepare meals, here are some ideas you can try:

Preparing a Snack

Toddlers can prepare a simple snack, such as a sliced banana or cucumber. Or, your child could prepare crackers with cream cheese. 

To prepare a cucumber snack the Montessori way, show your child how to gather their supplies. Then, demonstrate how to slice the cucumber using a child-safe knife. Finally, invite your child to arrange the slices on a plate. You might even let them put a toothpick in each slice and sprinkle a little salt on top. 

Cleaning up a Spill

As your child learns to pour and stir, spills are bound to happen. Empower your child to clean up by showing them how to clean up a spill. Then, ensure they can always access a cloth or sponge to wipe up spills. This way, they can manage mistakes independently, boosting their confidence and autonomy.

Pouring a Drink

Purchase or use a small, child-sized pitcher. Add some water. Then, show your child how to pour the water from the pitcher into a glass or cup. Invite them to try it out. 

At meals, your child can set out their pitcher and cup to serve themselves water. 

Setting the Table

Involve your child in setting the table for dinner. You can set out the plates, cups, and silverware on the table and have your child set out a place for everyone. If your plates are too heavy, you can also just have your child help put cutlery and napkins around. 

Washing Dishes

Today, most people use a dishwasher. But, in my experience, kids love washing dishes in the sink. The soap suds, water, and rattle of the dishes create a fun and engaging experience. Invite your toddler to wash a few child-safe dishes in the sink, showing them how to scrub and rinse. 

As a bonus, these activities offer moments of happy connection as you work side by side in the kitchen. As a mom, I’ve also found that when toddlers are engaged and busy with an activity, they’re happier and more likely to cooperate.

Building Your Child’s Independence Starts in the Kitchen

As much as toddlers want to become independent and do things “all by myself!”, they also want to copy what you do. They want to be involved, contributing members of the family. What better way to meet this need than by inviting them into the kitchen? Through simple, everyday moments, you can build your child’s independence and confidence.