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Let Your Three and One-Half Year Old Help Prepare Food

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 41-42 Month Old Child

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Your child is becoming more independent and may be showing an interest in helping you prepare meals. This is a great chance to help him get excited about and enjoy foods. Not only are you teaching him a life skill, you both will have fun together.

A 3 ½ year old can be a big help in the kitchen. Your child can safely help you:

  • Knead and shape dough
  • Pour liquids
  • Mix ingredients
  • Shake liquids in a covered container
  • Spread soft spreads
  • Place items in the trash

You can also use this new interest to get your child to try new foods. Try a “new food night” for the family. Have your child help choose the new food in the store, prepare it and serve the food. Encourage your child to invent his own snacks using healthy foods. When introducing a new food to your child, limit the serving to 1-2 tablespoons, and allow him to ask for more if he likes the food.


Learn more about Your Child: 41-42 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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