Safety is the first Ingredient when Kids are in the Kitchen

If you are cooking with your children remember that proper supervision and safety rules must be at the top of the list. Sharing your knowledge of meals and food preparation with your little ones can be one of the best bonding times ever. There are bound to be some minor mistakes, forgotten ingredients and minor messes but the key word should be Fun.

A great sense of humour and the ability to find the joy in the moment is what will help you most as you and your kids enter the world of cooking. Most children develop their own cooking skills and a deep love for food by working with adults in a comfortable kitchen, so grab your aprons and spoons and let’s begin.

Kitchen Safety Tips to Use Whenever You Cook in a Kitchen with Children

Children learn by watching you so remember to show that you are a safe cook and your kids will imitate your own behaviors.

* Let your children know to stay away from stoves and ovens unless you are there to supervise

* Make sure you stress that they are never to play with fire

* Keep baking soda and a kitchen fire extinguisher in a visible, convenient location and explain how and when they are to be used.

* A high stool with a tall back is a great place for your child to sit and help at the kitchen counter or bar.

* Do not let small children use sharp knives.

* If they want to cut lettuce or a banana you can help them your smaller kids use a plastic knife or a dull butter knife for this job.

* Let your kids know they are never to use the microwave unless you or another adult is there to maintain safety.

* Never leave a pot handle turned to the front of the stove

* Cook on the back burners of your stove if kids are in the kitchen

* Stress safe, clean food handling and preparation. Wash your hands often while fixing meals and make your children do the same.

Children Ages 6 and Under

* These children can use large spoons and bowls to help you stir and mix ingredients

* Kids love water so give them the job of washing fruits and vegetables at the sink.

Be sure that the cool water is on and make sure they understand not to turn on the hot water faucet. Explain to them that it will burn their hands and hurt the fruits and veggies. They may be more concerned about the food but this will encourage them to be cautious.

* Let them shred lettuce by using their hands or help them use a small plastic knife.

* Ask the children to add the recipe ingredients to your bowl one item at a time. If you prepare the ingredients ahead of time and have them on the table it will be very helpful.

Children Ages 6-8

* Supervise as the children prepare very easy recipes. Supervise as they measure and prepare ingredients. You can also show them how to use blenders, electric mixers and whisks. Introduction to an assortment of kitchen tools is something this age group loves.

* Let them set the dinner table which will teach them etiquette and organizational skills.

* Children at this age can help you by placing items in the oven or microwave and setting the dials with a little supervision.

Children Ages 10-12

* Can use an oven or microwave with parental supervision

* Can learn how to properly cut foods with different knives (supervision is essential)

* Will be eager to add a grater to the kitchen tools they are allowed to use. Finger guards or food shields will help keep fingers and knuckles safe.


To stimulate their interest in cooking, take a look at our children's cooking sets and accessories inside.

This is an original news article © The Kids Window

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