Hmmm.... technically I think kiddo started stirring his scrambled eggs (while I held him) at about 18mo. But that was more novelty than helping. However I'm a BIG fan of REAL kitchens instead of play kitchens.
Actual helping also began at about 18mo / 1yo. It was just finding age appropriate things to do. Here are some examples:
As a young toddler (working in my arms or on a low table):
- Pouring dry ingredients
- Stirring dry ingredients or cold things I didn't mind slopping.
- Ripping bread or lettuce
- Cleanup (helping rinse and load the DW with my help, sweeping with my help, etc.)
Middle toddler (standing on a chair by the counter)
- Measuring out dry ingredients
- Pouring / Stirring dry ingredients
- Pouring / Stirring wet ingredients (hot or cold)
- Shredding cheese
- Beginning to use the stove (my arms on his arms, guiding)
- Assembling salads, sammies, pizzas, etc.
- Doing plate decorations (drizzling sauce artistically, etc.) & finishing touches
- Kneeding bread dough
- Cleanup on his own (spraying, rinse and DW, sweeping, mopping).
Age 5ish
- First use of sharp knives (my hands on his hands) for prep work.
Age 7ish
- First use of sharp knives on his own