Teaching Kids to Cook Safely
Encourage Fun for Children in the Kitchen While Keeping Things Safe
Sep 3, 2008
Cooking with kids is a wonderful way to spend time together, teach a lifelong skill, get kids involved in meal preparation, and encourage creativity. Kids who cook are more likely to try new foods and less likely to complain because it is their own creation. Additionally, cooking provides a sense of gratification and accomplishment. When teaching kids how to cook, it is best to start with the basics and begin with kitchen safety.
Safe Food Handling
Teach kids to wash hands before beginning to cook. Encourage them to cough or sneeze away from ingredients or appliances instead of into their cooking creation. Remind them to wash hands again every time they sneeze or cough.
Discuss washing hands after touching raw eggs, fish, meats, or foods which may contain bacteria. Kids should know that washing their fruits and vegetables before adding them as ingredients is also wise.
Keep the Cooking Area Safe
Teach kids to keep the area around stove and oven clear. Remove towels and napkins from the cooking area so they do not catch fire. Be sure kids roll up sleeves so they do not become a fire hazard when reaching across a stove. Pull long hair back so it does not catch fire, or fall into sauces or pots. Teach kids to keep pot handles turned into the stove. If faced outward they can be flipped off the range and cause burns.
Keep electrical appliances away from the sink or water to prevent shock. Keep their cords short so they can't fall off the counter or easily tip over.
Test smoke alarms to be sure they are functioning to alert you if something begins to burn. Also, have a fire extinguisher available and be sure kids know how to use it. Hopefully it won't become necessary, but be sure kids know how to dial 911 in the event of a fire.
Discourage kids from putting knives or blades into a sink filled with water as kids could cut themselves when washing hands.
Appliance Safety
Teach your kids how to properly use appliances. The microwave is a frequently used appliance, so instruct them on how to safely use it. Point out which bowls are microwave safe. It is important to use oven mitts when removing items from the microwave. Kids should be aware of "hot spots" that come with microwaving foods, and that while food may not appear to be hot at first, it can burn.
If older kids will be using knives then let them practice with dull utensils first. Try letting them practice with a table or butter knife on bananas, cooked carrots, or other soft foods.
Encourage Cooking Fun
Once your kitchen is safe and kids know the rules, begin your adventure. Start by picking recipes that are fairly easy and do not require skills your kids do not yet have. Let little kids get involved by washing foods, stirring ingredients or measuring foods while older kids do the chopping and use appliances. Praise your kids for their efforts, be willing to try their creations, encourage kitchen safety, and bon appetite!
