My preverbal toddler (18m) has started requesting the foods he's interested in having for dinner. Last night, while we were prepping leftovers for dinner, he picked the tupperware of salmon and brought it out - much differently than what he normally does in the fridge (rearranging all the condiments on the door). So we stove heated the meal with it (to which he was quite impatient of course) and it was certainly his favorite part of the food served. We usually serve him an appetizer so it keeps him busy/satisfied while we finish cooking the meal.

How can I involve my toddler more often in meal prep/cooking? He is so drawn to things on the learning tower that he will grab anything and everything on the countertop to investigate. We don't have space enough to keep things on the counter out of reach. We have a small toddler tool bench for him in the kitchen that he can use and feel somewhat part of what we're doing in the kitchen.

Do I need to have a week-long lesson respectfully reminding him not to climb onto the counter or grab the sugar jar.... and let him cry when I say, I can't let you do that, and set him down and let him repeat that, until he pushes past the boundary 3 times and then take away the learning tower.... then try again the next day.... until one day he doesn't abuse his privalege?

Any other suggestions? :)