How can My Child Become Independent in the Kitchen?

Guiding your child to independence not only benefits your child, but you as well because you can relax a little more and have more time to yourself. "How can I achieve this? I have no time." You might say, but small steps make bigger outcomes than you may think. What's one thing that always motivates children (or us adults too)? FOOD! We love to eat and we know when our body tell us we're hungry. Let's help your child create their own snacks or meals independently!

Finding a Space

If you have space for a child size kitchen that's a great option (click here for information) to think about, however if you are limited on space then think of a space on the counter in the corner with a step stool, or maybe you utilize the living room space. Try to work with what you have, in the long run it does not have to be pretty, only practical. The most important part is to have the food and water accessible to the child's height level.

Start Small

First always start small. I would start with a small pitcher of water and water glasses (3) on a small table in the kitchen. Choose a small spot in your kitchen to place a small table or if you have a spot already that is your child's height, you may use that. Buy a child size pitcher or an open and close pitcher to place on a tray in the desired location. Organize three glasses on the tray, with a small sponge and hand towel for any spills. If you don't rims on your tables, this is a perfect way to teach them now. Include a doily or coaster to the tray. It is important to remember all objects on the tray should be small enough for your child's hands, so they may be independent. Always demonstrate how to pour water into the glass and clean up after a water spill. And if you're using a doily or coaster, demonstrate that step to your child as well. You MUST follow through with your child multiple times at first, until it becomes an independent skill for them and they are confident in themselves. By following through, I mean to continue to show your child proper hand placement, to remember to clean up and small tips like that.

Snacks

Other ways to build independence in the kitchen is to have snacks aviable to them in their space. You can start with package snacks, crackers in a container, pre cut fruit and veggies or what ever is simple for you. Place the chosen snacks in a container or accessable jar and place in your child's little kitchen spot. When you place snacks in front of your children to eat when they're ready, it helps control obessive eating habits because they're listening to their bodies when they're ready to eat, which in return also helps them to snack independently.

You can also use snack signs so your child can self serve themselves snacks. Here are some I made ________.

It is important to allow your child to fail! This means, if you child spills the water while pouring, breaks a dish, makes a mess or what ever it may be, allow them to make the mistake and clean it up. This not only helps them build their independence, but also their fine motor and growth motor skills. Every time they make a mistake, it helps the child learn what to change next time they practice. Your child is practicing self correction in their motor and developmental skills.

Cleaning Up After Themselves

Guiding children to take care of their environment builds their independence, self confidence and care of their environment. Just as before, the main thing to remember is to start small, guide and follow through. Start by showing a dirty dish goes in to the sink, dishwasher or on the countertop. Each time your child says they are finished with their drinking glass or plate, have them hold their own dish and walk them to where you want the dirty dishes to be placed. I recommend to keep the location either at the sink, dishwasher or on the countertop because that is where we as the adults place the dishes. When you follow through by reminding your child where to place their dirty dishes, it soon becomes a new routine for them.

More Independence

For more child focusd independence in your home, see my other blog post about growing independence.