If your child is 3 years old or older, start engaging them in making their own snack. Not only does this help them develop their fine motor skills, it boosts their confidence to be independent and gives them an activity to devote some of their attention while you get to take a well deserved breath. This does require some preparation on your part and maybe throwing everything on the plast seems easier but trust me the rewards of this activity are well worth it in the long run. It’s a great opportunity for your child to be helpful during their stay home time.

Skill Development

• Fine motor skills, Matching, Patience, Focus, Independence, Confidence

Recommended foods for this activity

• Strawberries, Oranges, Ripe Pears, Grapes on the vine, Individually wrapped veggies or fruit, Individually wrapped string cheese, Individually wrapped goldfish, Mini bagels, Bananas, Cream cheese, Honey, Jam, Peanut Butter, Avocado

Things your child can do to prepare their snack:

• Open containers

• Pour food

• Open a package (with or without a start)

• Cut food

• Spread creams, jams, etc

What you’ll need

• A surface they can comfortably work at (table at their level preferred)

• A seat

• Cutting board

• Kid Plates

• Kid Butter Knife (I like the set from Ikea)

• Napkin for their hands when they get messy

• Your food items

How to prepare activity

• Place cutting board closest to their seat

• Place knife on top

• Set items orderly around

• If lids may be challenging take them off and have them place back on (I do multiple cream cheese spread options and then a child has to match them back appropriately)

How to explain the activity to your child

• Tell your child what they will be doing to each 

• Tell them that every item must end up on their plate.

• Place a paper towel or towel down and tell them it is for wiping their hands if they get messy

• Tell them if they need help they can call you while you go finish some of your work

• Walk away within earshot if they ask for help. If they ask for help try to help them solve it themselves.

Does your toddler prepare their own snack and meals?