When it comes to cooking, you and your little are two peas in a pod.

A Little Helper FunPod, that is.

The genius contraption is a step up from your average stool and safer than standing on a chair. Just place the pod at the kitchen island or countertop edge — a good distance away from anything dangerous — and assign him kid-friendly kitchen tasks like mixing, stirring, or measuring. Four sturdy sides and an adjustable foot plate ensure that your sous chef is right in the heat of things but nowhere near the fire.

Your future Tyler Florence won’t even notice he’s on lockdown. The pod is designed to contain him, not the good times. And unlike other towers on the market, the modest footprint makes it a fit for small kitchens or apartment living.

We can hardly contain ourselves.

Available online at diapers.com, $190.

CELEBRATE
Chinese New Year
What: Free performances, crafts, and language lessons mark the Year of the Dragon.
Why: Get your little linguist one step closer to mastering Mandarin.
When: Sponge Seattle, Sat., 10 a.m.-noon; Sponge Bellevue, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Seattle, 3107 S. Day St.; Bellevue, 13219 NE 20th St., ste. 203. To register for Mandarin classes (required), call 206-227-7138 or email info@spongeschool.com.

RIBBIT
The Frog Prince
What: Princess Honey vows to save the ranch with the help of a magic amphibian (ages 3 and up).
Why: The tale gets a country music twist; prepare for some twang.
When: Thru Mar. 11.
Where: Feb. 4-12, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland; Mar. 4, Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E.; Mar. 11, Everett PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. Tickets online at storybooktheater.org. Adults and children, $10.

MEANDER
Family Nature Walks
What: Take a peek at ever-changing flora and fauna during free naturalist-led hikes around town (ages 3 and up).
Why: Stick to your vow of less Wii, more wildlife.
When: Sat.-May 19.
Where: Locations and schedule online at metroparkstacoma.org. Info at 253-591-6439.

Photo: Courtesy of Luca and Company