Food preparation with young children can actually be quite simple. You just need to be thoughtful as you prepare each activity for your child. Here are some simple activities with fruits that are appropriate for children from age two and up.
Start with simple activities, such as rinsing fruit. Teach your child that if she is ever asked to wash fruit, it does not mean to use soap.
1. Grapes. Pick grapes off of stems.
2. Bananas. Show your child how to peel a banana. Use a dull knife to slice the banana. Or, purchase a banana-shaped slicer from Montessori Services.
3. Berries. Practice the pincer grip (used for writing) by allowing your child to use a strawberry huller to remove stems and leaves from rinsed strawberries.
4. Smoothies. Make a fruit smoothie. Have your child slice a banana, then place it into a blender. Next add about one cup of frozen berries or freshly rinsed berries with a couple of ice cubes. Empty one cup of vanilla yogurt on top. (Use an individual serving for easy measurement.) Pour in enough milk to cover the fruit. Hold the lid in place while your child pushes the button.
5. Apples. Do apple slicing. After your child rinses the apple, have him try to use an apple slicer. If he isn’t able to do it independently, have him help you. Put your hands on the slicer first. Tell your child that you are not strong enough to do it without him. Have him put his hands on top of yours, count to three, then push down together.
6. Applesauce. Have your child slice apples and put them into a blender. Add about a half cup of water. Blend, adding more water if necessary. Add cinnamon if desired.
7. Oranges. Set out a bowl of Clementines, tangerines, or oranges. Gently put a small cut into the skin so that your child has a starting point. Let her peel the oranges.
8. Orange Juice. Young children like to squeeze their own orange juice. With supervision, help your child use a sharp knife to cut a navel orange in half. Or, slice the oranges ahead of time. Show her how to twist the orange half on the juicer. Even if she only manages to squeeze out a sip or two of juice, she may enjoy eating the pulp out of the skin. Some children may like to try the activity with grapefruit.
9. Avocados. Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit. Let your child scoop out the green part then mash it in a bowl. Add a little bit of green pepper sauce or garlic to taste, and you have a tasty dip.
10. Melon. Cut a melon of your choice into halves or quarters. Give your child a melon baller to scoop out some pieces.
Remember to trust that your child can do it and allow him to make a few mistakes. Demonstrate the procedure again at a later time if necessary.
