By Ascend School-Based OT Bonnie Stewart
Meal time prep is something most of us adults rush through. We may think that getting things done quickly, getting food on the table, and get the kids eating, is what is best. Mealtime prep can be a good time to spend with our kids. We can work on developing motor skills while working on listening, attending and following directions for a task. The secret is: your kids will love to help – because to them – this stuff is really fun!
Washing Fruits & Vegetables: For breakfast, have your child wash fruits: strawberries, blueberries, and apples. It’s a good activity for ages 2 and up. Set them up at the sink with a step stool. The same goes for veggies; carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli potatoes, and lettuce. They can help wash for lunch or dinner.
Chopping: Set them up with a cutting board and a dull butter knife and ask them to work on cutting up the fruit into small size pieces. Good for ages 3 and up. It’s okay if it isn’t perfect at first, it will get better with practice. They can also use a dull butter knife to practice spreading butter, jam or peanut butter on bread, pancakes or waffles.
Decorating: Have them decorate a plate with fruit or veggies. They can make smiley faces, shapes or designs like flowers, a house, or a cat or dog. Good for ages 3 and up. You may need to model at first. These are visual perceptual skills in action.
Pouring: Kids can also work on pouring skills which they love! Have them pour milk into cereal the bowl from a glass. Pour juice or water into a glass. Good ages 4 and up. For this skill you should use plastic cups and avoid glassware. If they spill, that is part of their learning of this task. If they spill, have them wipe and clean up.
Additional Tips:
- Before a meal, have them set the place settings at the table.
- After the meal is done, have them help clear off their dishes and bring them to the sink (ages 3+)
- Once dishes are cleared, have them help wipe down and clean the table with a damp sponge or a dry cloth (ages 2+).
Kids love to be helpful. Practice pouring, stirring, spreading, setting and wiping to strengthen their Motor and Planning skills. They may ask what do I do next? Review each step needed for a task.
The same skills can be practiced for all meals. Ages 3-6 years old really love to help.
Before you know it, your child will have mastered all these skills, and will ask for more things they can help you within the kitchen or around the house.
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