Safety with Kids in the Kitchen

Safety is very important when children are using real kitchen equipment. Impress upon them that safety comes first and teach them how to use kitchen gadgets properly.  Make adjustments when needed, substituting safer options for dangerous tools. Here are some tips that can help your child's kitchen experiences to be safe and educational:

• Help children become aware of sharp knives, grater, parers. Solid plastic knives (from picnic sets) have a good cutting edge and can be used by very young children.
• Keep all potentially dangerous utensils away from young children. Under very careful supervision, they might be able to use a grater or plastic knife.
• As the opportunity arises during cooking, point out the dangers of very hot water, the danger of burnable objects too near the stove (hotplate), the importance of turning off appliances after using them.
• Make sure all pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove and tell the children why; make sure handles are turned away from the edge of the table.
• Show the children how pot holders are used to avoid burns. Remind them that a wet potholder does not protect from heat.