Chef's Salad
Parent involves toddler in making a simple salad, focusing on participation, following instructions, and excitement about healthy food. The agent coaches the parent to observe task engagement, following multi-step directions, and social collaboration during food preparation.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Toddler seated safely at table or counter with parent. Salad ingredients prepped and in small bowls. Large mixing bowl and utensils within reach. Best done before a meal when toddler is alert and not too hungry.
How it works
- 1~40s
Start by telling your child that you're going to make a special salad together for lunch. Show them the big bowl and say, 'We're going to put everything in here to make our salad!' Then give your child a simple two-step instruction: 'First, take the lettuce from this bowl, then put it in our big bowl.' Watch how your child follows these directions. Does they complete both steps? Does they seem excited about being involved?
Watch for: Toddler follows a two-step instruction related to the salad-making task.
- 2~45s
Now let's add another ingredient. Say, 'Now we need tomatoes! Can you help me put them in?' This time, try working together — you hold the small bowl of tomatoes while your child takes them out and puts them in the big bowl. Watch how your child collaborates. Does they take turns with you? Does they seem to understand this is a shared task?
Watch for: Toddler engages in collaborative food preparation, taking turns and working together with parent.
- 3~35s
For our final step, let's mix the salad together! Give your child a spoon and say, 'Now we mix everything up to make it delicious!' Watch their reaction. Does your child seem excited about the finished salad? Does they show interest in tasting it? You might see them smile, point, or even try to taste a piece. What's their emotional response to the food they helped create?
Watch for: Toddler shows positive excitement or interest in the healthy food they helped prepare.