Children enjoy helping in the kitchen and often are more willing to eat foods they help prepare.

"At any age, food activities should start with washing hands with warm water and soap and end with helping clean up at the end of the recipe or meal," says Kansas State University nutrition educator Kathy Walsten.

It is important that kitchen tasks asked of children be appropriate for the child's age. Preschoolers like to help mix, mash and stir food, or clean fruits and vegetables or set the table, says Walsten. By preparing a recipe, older children can practice measuring, food safety, following directions and learning to use kitchen equipment safely.

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