Snack Prep Helper

Your toddler joins in a simple no-knife snack step such as peeling a mandarin or tearing lettuce, taking a real part in preparing food alongside you.

How to do it

1. Choose one safe no-knife step, such as peeling a mandarin, tearing washed lettuce, or snapping soft beans.
2. Wash hands together and sit your toddler at a low table or safe spot beside you.
3. Show the step once, slowly, then hand over the food and let them try.
4. Let them work at their own pace while you do the parts that need a knife or heat.
5. Serve and eat the snack together so they see their work become food.

What you need

• Soft food
• Bowl

Make it yours

Younger (12-15 months): Let them hold and explore the food and pull one loose piece. Older (2-3 years): Add snapping beans or stirring a bowl. Siblings: An older child can do a slightly harder no-knife step at the same table