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Guide To Grilling With Kids

May 20, 2021

AGE-APPROPRIATE WAYS TO GET YOUR CHILDREN COOKING OUTDOORS

Preparing meals together helps promote healthy eating habits, self-esteem, independence and creativity. Kids love to help out, and once they know the basics of food preparation, they might be inspired to pitch in at mealtimes more often. 

Here’s how to make your next cookout an entertaining, safe and fun experience for the whole family.

SAFETY FIRST

Teaching your kids grilling Dos and Don’ts is the first step. Explain that the grill is extremely hot, and enforce a 3-foot child-free safety area around the grill. 


JOBS FOR LITTLE KIDS

Very young children can do simple prep work, such as husking corn and rinsing vegetables. They can also help decorate the table with colored placemats. 


JOBS FOR BIG KIDS

Older children can help with more complicated preparations, including shaping burgers (don’t forget to have them wash their hands before and after!), pouring on marinades and mixing salads. They can also fold napkins, take everyone’s order and bring dishes to and from the table. 


JOBS FOR TEENAGERS

Tweens and teens can chop vegetables and help cook (with supervision) and watch over younger siblings’ work.