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As a child's hands become more capable -- able to carry items while walking, turn knobs, and open containers -- there are so many things they can do around the house! Inviting toddlers to participate in kitchen-related tasks can be daunting for adults who fear mess or chaos, but looking for opportunities to say "Yes, you can help," will support their growing independence.
We've rounded up some inspiring kitchen set-ups to share ideas on ways that young children can participate in meal preparation.
Montessori Kitchen Ideas from Around the Web
These are not "play kitchens". The Montessori approach encourages children to use real household materials and practice real life skills. (We've even created our own kit of kitchen tools for kids, complete with a set of recipe cards to get you started!)
A place for everything and everything in its place
Offering a low cabinet where your child can reach items will boost their self-esteem when you entrust them with tasks such as:Â
- Putting dishes away
- Placing items from the dishwasher into their special shelf
- Setting a place for themselves at their own weaning table
- Filling a cup with water
Ideas for things to put in a Montessori kitchen area for toddlers:
- Water in a small pitcher
- Cups
- Plates
- Silverware
- Cloth napkins
- Dishtowel
Many families suggest having only one of each item. This way, washing, drying, and putting them away become part of routine use.
Monti Kids Tip: Offer a sponge and a dishtowel in a kitchen setting to normalize the idea of spills. They will happen and we can model calmly wiping them up. The Montessori approach guides us to praise the child's effort to pour water, so it is not important for them to do it perfectly. We want to notice that they use their muscles, that they guide the pitcher to the cup, that they observe the cup becoming full, and finally, that they self-correct if they spill.
Placing approved snacks where a child can help themselves works for some families, while others worry that their child will not eat a balanced meal later in the day if they have unlimited access to dry snacks. The Monti Kids learning team suggests offering a limited amount of snack foods to balance concerns of "overeating" with a desire to promote independence.
The Montessorian behind @little.farm.montessori shared her sweet green cabinet (above), a thrifted piece that she painted and cut some height from the bottom. The table features a water dispenser and a bowl inserted into a hole she cut with a saw.
In her kitchen cabinet for toddler Teddy, @madetomontessori shares her perspective on messes.
"It’s inconvenient, it’s even annoying at times, but there’s a reason I haven’t put all the kitchen items away or out of reach... it’s because this is his space too, and part of learning is through exploration. Items can be put back, messes can be cleaned, and through that process he learns. Each time, he learns."
A popular solution for a toddler-friendly kitchen area is to use the IKEA play kitchen, designed for pretending. Many Monti Kids families have repurposed this little kitchen as a child-sized food prep station by adding some tools that children can use at their own height.Â
In the photo below, one of our favorite Instagram accounts @sonnysmontessori shows her little one using the Monti Kids Cooking Together Kit to prepare his own smashed avocado sandwich.Â
When your child is included in meal preparation, they feel pride and confidence, which will inspire them to take on more tasks as they grow older.Â
Montessori Cooking Together Kit
encourages little ones to build skills and confidence in the kitchen as they develop healthy eating habits $100- Wooden Stand for Recipe Cards
- 10 Innovative Recipe Cards
- Child-Sized Wooden Spoon, Whisk, and Masher
- 3 Bowls for Food Prep, Small Pitcher, and Silicone Cutting Board
- Melon Baller, Spreader, and Tongs
- Egg Slicer
- Wooden Crinkle Cutter