We don't need a checklist to know what our children should and shouldn't be doing in the kitchen. Not only is every child different in their interests and skills, every family is different in what they eat and their expectations. However, it is nice to see what other families are doing and to get some fresh ideas. 

Here are some suggestions on what children five to seven years could be doing in the kitchen:

• Follow a simple recipe - there are lots of good kids cook books available or you can make/write your own! 
• Know how to read and use kitchen scales. 
• Read and understand basic measurements such as quarter, half, three-quarters of a cup and know for example how to make two and a half cups of flour.
• Read and understand basic measurements such as teaspoons and tablespoons.
• Measure with some accuracy using a measuring jug. 
• Cut or chop ingredients with a small knife.
• Whisk, beat and fold - for making cakes, pancakes, beat eggs.  
• Adequately knead bread. 
• Roll out cookie or biscuit dough (with rolling pin) and use cookie cutters.
• Peel vegetables.
• Mince/press garlic.
• Use a mortar and pestle. 
• Use a grater - cheese is easiest to learn with.
• Use microwave - for reheating or melting (gently melting coconut oil, butter or chocolate).
• Use an electric skillet (fry pan) - start on low heat. 
• Use a basic toaster oven.
• Use a sandwich, panini press.
• Use electric beaters. 
• Form regular size patties, meatballs. 

What are some of the things children in this age can learn to make independently or with a little assistance?

• Basic salad and salad dressing
• Toast, cheese on toast
• Toasted sandwishes
• Fried rice
• Scrambled eggs
• Omelette
• Chilli con carne
• Stir fry
• Pancakes
• Fruit Salad
• Quesadillas 
• Sushi
• Vietnamese rice paper rolls
• Dips such as hummus, guacamole
• Homemade pizzas
• Jacket potatoes
• Simple cake - apple tea cake, chocolate or perhaps carrot cake
• Other baked goods such as simple scones, muffins, cookies.

I am hesitant to allow my children cook independently with boiling water, they can boil eggs and cook pasta but only under close supervision (with an adult standing next to them).   

What is Otis making in the top picture? He is making The Fit Foodie Chocolate and Chia Protein Balls (perfect for snacks or school lunchboxes) c/o Sprout Market, using some lovely honey from the school's bees!