Encouraging children to help out in the kitchen is a great idea. More productive than watching TV; an afternoon cooking or baking teaches valuable life skills, encourages healthy eating and provides opportunities for parents and kids to have fun together.
Of course, there are dangers in the kitchen such as sharp knives, hot stoves and electrical equipment but with a little care and common sense; there is no reason why children cannot enjoy time in the kitchen safely.
For very young children and toddlers,extra care should be taken. It’s estimated that over 40,000 children under the age of five require hospital treatment each year following a kitchen incident. Young children should therefore never be left in the kitchen unaccompanied. It only takes a split second to pull over a hot pan or pick up a sharp implement. However, if you take the time to explain the risks to children as they are growing up, by the time they are teenagers they should be confident in the kitchen and able to prepare a meal by themselves.
Here are a few simple precautions you can take to ensure they stay safe:
- Use the back rings of the hob and turn pan handles to the back so that little hands can’t grab them.
- Put childproof locks on drawers or cupboards to stop children finding knives, glassware, plastic bags and chemicals.
- Keep hot drinks away from counter edges.
- Keep matches out of sight and have a fire blanket to hand for emergencies.
- Know where your first aid kit is in case accidents do occur.
- Keep treats out of sight. Many parents put chocolates and biscuits on top shelves so that children cannot reach them. However, if children can still see the goodies, they may be tempted to climb onto worktops or try and create their own ‘step ladder’ to reach them.
- Ensure alcohol is out of sight and locked away.
- Make sure children always wear shoes or slippers in the kitchen to protect their feet in case knives, hot food or glass falls on the floor.
As children get older, you can allow them to help out more with food preparation. Start by giving them easy tasks that are safe such as stirring cake mixes or weighing out ingredients. As they gain confidence, show them other techniques. Let them watch you completing more complex tasks such as using knives or heating ingredients, and show how you ensure the steps are carried out safely. You can also take the opportunity to explain things like the importance of washing hands, keeping cooked and raw foods separate, and how to follow a recipe.
Make sure older children know what to do in the event of an accident. Show them where the first aid kit is and make sure they know what to do if a fire breaks out.
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