Getting the kids in the kitchen can be nerve wracking for parents! Some parents may be uneasy about kitchen breakables, the mess of cooking, and sharp tools, other parents may be hesitant about a lack of interest in the kitchen from their kids. Well, this new year is a perfect time to put those old thoughts to rest and get those kids cookin’! Make sure to read this article from Cricket and our friends from This Old House  that has all the fun, silly, and colorful kid-friendly essential tools your little chef will need!

Mini-Roller

Kids can flatten dough with more ease, less frustration, and quicker clean up with a miniature non-stick, silicone rolling pin. The Junior Silpin is a necessity for families that enjoy making homemade pizza and sugar cookies in fun shapes. Available in pink, light blue, red, and yellow, $10.95; bakedeco.com.

Rainbow -Colored Measures

The Giraffe Neck long-stemmed measuring spoons are easy for small hands to grasp, durable, and dishwasher-friendly, $7.99 for a set of five; kidscookingshop.com

With spouts for splatter control, these adorable nesters are fun to pour. Zak Designs’ Assorted Brights Measuring Cups, $9 for a set of four; amazon.com

Slip-Proof Mixing Bowls

Rubberized bottoms keep these space-saving nesting bowls from slipping off the counter while your little chef whips up the Sunday morning pancake batter. Loop-style handles and spouts make it easier to pour perfect silver dollars. 3 Piece Handled Bowl Set, $10;collectionsetc.com

Utensils for Little Hands

For children interested in cooking, miniature cooking utensils are a must for whisking, flipping, scraping, and mixing. This basic set includes a wooden spoon, rubber spatula, stainless steel whisk, spatula, and metal cup to corral it all. Kid’s Utensil Set, $8; growingcooks.com

Alli-Grator

Whether shredding cheese or carrots, a cool-shaped grater makes the task fun. The handle shaped like an alligator’s head is easy to grip, and keeps little digits at a nick-free distance from the stainless steel cutting blades. Bonus: the green “jaws” fold down around the blade for safe storage. Cutting Utensils Alli-Grator, $15;kidscookingshop.com

Fun Peeler

Kids get a kick out of playful peelers. Just be sure to supervise, colorful and animal-shaped peelers look cute but their blades are still sharp enough to effortlessly slice the skin off of hard vegetables. Animal House Monkey Peeler, $8.14; target.com

The (Petite) French Chef

Staub’s Mini Round Cocottes are the perfect size for re-heating kid-sized portions in the oven. Not every meal is microwaveable! And the adorable shape and bright colors appeal to young eaters. $50 each; cookware.com

Chop & Scoop Board

Boasting fantastically fun colors, these flexible cutting boards help chefs of all ages transfer ingredients with ease…and less spilling! $5.99-$10; surlatable.com

Safe Shears

Pro chefs cut ingredients down to size with scissors, so why shouldn’t kids do it too? These small, 6-inch ladybug snips are great for turning stale bread slices into crouton cubes, lobbing off broccoli florets, and shredding fresh-picked herbs. And, of course, they also cut paper. Kid’s Animal Scissors, $7; containerstore.com

Plastic Paring

Use disposable plastic knives for chefs as young as 2½years. For older children, a plastic lettuce knife is just sharp enough to cut most ingredients, but it’s safer than a conventional steel blade knife. And, of course, it comes in handy for cutting iceberg too. Supervision recommended. OXO Lettuce Knife, $3.49;bedbathandbeyond.com

Immersion Blender

Keep the kitchen clean, while making foods typically deemed “messy” by using an immersion blender. Make smoothies, puree soups, blend dips, and more. Children have fun pressing the button and watching the textures and colors change. KitchenAid Immersion Blender, $49.99; target.com

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.