What better way to spend time with your family during the holidays than in your kitchen? Making tasty holiday treats with your children can be fun and educational!
To ensure children have a fun, yet safe time in the kitchen, check out these tips in the chart below from USDA. Tips provided are general and depending on the child, some tasks may be completed at different ages.
| 2 year-old | 3 year-old | 4 year-old | 5 year-old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash produce | Add ingredients | Peel eggs and some fruits like oranges and bananas | Measure ingredients |
| Break cauliflower and broccoli into smaller pieces | Scoop and mash potatoes | Help set the table | Cut soft fruit with dull or plastic knife |
| Gather ingredients | Squeeze citrus fruits | Crack eggs | Use manual egg beater |
| Throw things in the trash | |||
| Wipe down the table and counter tops |
Choking Hazards
We need to make sure when younger children are helping that we take some safety precautions. Anytime holiday snacks become available there is always an increased risk for choking. Here are helpful and easy tips to avoid potential choking hazards:
- Always keep an eye on children. Parental supervision while eating is very important and can prevent many choking incidences.
- Have children sit down before they start eating. Walking and running while trying to eat increases the risk of choking.
- Be sure to cut your child’s food into at most ½-inch pieces. This will allow for easier chewing and swallowing, preventing food from getting lodged in their throat and blocking the airway.
Holiday Fruit Parfait
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of red and green fruit such as green grapes, kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, etc.
- ½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- Maple syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse produce and pat dry with paper towel.
- Cut fruit up into small pieces, ½ inch or less, safe enough for children under 5 years old.
- Layer yogurt with fruit in a plastic glass. If desired, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup for an added touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information:
Sources:
Choking Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics
Getting Kids in the Kitchen, WeCan Program from National Institutes of Health
Kitchen Activities, MyPlate.gov from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
This newsletter has been peer-reviewed. It was reviewed and updated in 2022.
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