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If you have been following along with our Mini Chef Mondays posts, you know how much the boys love to help in the kitchen. Owen wants to do absolutely everything Charlie does, but it's hard because he's only two.

Even though it would be so much easier to just do everything myself, I take the time to let the boys help me. Even at two years old, there is plenty that can be done in the kitchen! Not only is it fun for them, but being in the kitchen at such a young age is a great way to develop healthy eating habits and learn basic cooking skills. After all, I am raising future husbands!

As with any child in the kitchen, be sure to supervise them! You can sit them on the counter if you're right there or get them a stool so they can stand, but still reach.

Meal Prep

1. Grocery Shopping – Since I rarely head to the grocery store alone, Owen is able to help pick things out at the grocery store. I can ask him if he wants bananas or apples? or something like “potatoes or noodles”. It's a great way to give your 2 year old a little say in the meal planning.
2. Put away groceries – One of Owen's favorite things when we get home from the grocery store is helping Mommy put the groceries away! He can't help too much with things high in the pantry yet, but he certainly gives it a go and helps unpack the bags to bring me things.
3. Grow your own – If you grow your own vegetables, fruit, or herbs, your two year old would definitely love to help plant and pick their own!
4. Set the table – Of course, toddlers aren't able to set the table with the fine china, but they are able to help with certain aspects, like getting silverware for everyone. We have a kid pantry that holds the kid dishes and utensils, making it perfect for them to grab their own!

Cooking

1. Stirring – No matter how old they are, they can always help stir!
2. Pouring – In our Mini Chef Mondays post, you'll usually see ingredients in measuring cups so they are easily added to the mixing bowl.
3. Cracking eggs – It may mean picking out a few eggshells, but have you watched a kid crack an egg? It's hilarious and they love it!
4. Rinsing – Two year olds love bath time, right? Rinsing fruits and veggies in a colander over the sink is like bath time for food!
5. Adding items to trays – Little ones love putting things on trays. This could be scooping into muffin cups or placing things on a baking sheet.
6. Measuring – I realize that a toddler probably cannot actually measure something, but when given a specific measuring cup, they can fill it to the top.
7. Mashing – Whether you need fruits or vegetables mashed, a two year old can definitely help by using a potato masher! Sometimes you can put them in a plastic storage bag and let them mash the bag with their hands for extra fun!
8. Shaking things – Who doesn't love to give a good shake? We've made a several versions of puppy chow and Owen loves shaking the bags!
9. Tear things up – If you have a two year old, you know how much they like to tear things up! They can tear apart lettuce, snap beans, or break apart chocolate.
10. Taste testing – Everyone loves trying new things and my toddler is no exception! This is a great time to introduce some new words like sweet, crunchy, juicy, chewy, and creamy.
11. Add toppings – This one is simple and perfect for the two year old crowd! They can add sprinkles to cookies and cakes or cheese and veggies to a pizza.
12. Listening – Obviously, your two year old cannot help with everything. Even though they are not able to help with a specific task, they still love listening to you explain it all. Owen loves watching me cut things up, so I talk to him about it the entire time. It's a great way for them to pick up new words and concepts.

Cleaning

1. Putting dishes away – If you have a specific section that the kids dishes are located, like our kid pantry, they can definitely help with this!
2. Put silverware in dishwasher – No sharp knives, but everything else they are perfectly able to put in the dishwasher!
3. Wipe table and counters – Toddlers love getting a wet cloth and wiping things down! I don't get why it's fun, but to them, it is!
4. Hold the dustpan – Your two year old probably isn't able to operate the broom, but they can definitely hold the dustpan while you sweep!

Is your two year old involved in the kitchen?

I am hosting Mini Chef Mondays along with 11 fabulous bloggers!

Be sure to check out each of their Mini Chef posts as well. We would love it if you would share your Mini Chef posts with us each week, too! Follow along socially and join in on the fun by using our hashtag #MiniChefMondays to share creations your mini chef created in the kitchen. Additionally, if you have a kid-friendly recipe that kids can easily recreate link up! Don’t have a blog? Share the URL of your instagram photo in our linky below.

1. Fresh Guacamole Recipe // Courtney's Sweets
2. The Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe // Momma Lew
3. Best Banana Crumb Muffins // Baby Loving Mama
4. Baked Taco Casserole // We're Parents
5. Sofia the First Cookies // Frugal Novice
6. Alphabet Kids Snacks A is for Ant // Eating Richly
7. Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding // Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps
8. Kid-Friendly Chicken & Broccoli Quesadilla // Step Stool Chef
9. Brussels Sprouts Chips // Vegging at the Shore
10. How A 2 Year Old Can Help in the Kitchen // Mom's Messy Miracles
11. 5 Food Art Ideas for Kids // O'Boy! Organic
12. Mini Pizza Tacos // Can't Google Everything