Kids in the Kitchen

July 08, 2011, By Catherine Couretas 0 comments

When they hit a certain age, kids love helping around the house. They love carrying things for you and helping with “big, important jobs” they might be given. Some of these tasks can be very simple, like carrying a bit of laundry up the stairs or putting flowers in the ground while you’re planting in the spring.

There are some tasks, however, that might be a little more dangerous. One of these is helping out in the kitchen. With sharp knives and hot stovetops, the kitchen can be quite a risky place for your little ones. The key is teaching them where they can and cannot go and what they’re allowed to do.

First and foremost, give your kids a tour of your kitchen. Let them know where to find everything. Start on a positive note by telling them first what they will be able to do. This approach will get them more excited about helping out. Wait until after you've covered what they can to say what they won’t be able to touch—it will be the last thing you’ve told them and therefore the freshest in their mind.

When you’re telling them what they can do, bring up things like mixing ingredients, carrying small bowls, putting items on a pan or tray and helping with measurements—a little math lesson never hurt. Let them know where to find common ingredients, such as flour, salt and sugar, if the ingredients are within their reach. If they’re not, consider making a lower cabinet your child’s “cooking cabinet” so they can easily reach foods and other things like bowls and mixing spoons.

Areas to avoid should include those with knives and other sharp objects, the oven and its top and whatever else is unique to your kitchen that children should not be around. Be sure to continually ask them what they aren’t allowed to touch so they remember and also to let them know why they can’t help with those specific things. You don’t want them getting hurt because it takes a lot of practice and the tools are too big for them and can be dangerous.

In addition, make sure they know about sanitation. Kids can be discouraged from washing their hands when the sinks are up high, so invest in a stepstool for the kitchen so they can get involved. Make sure they know to wash their hands before they touch anything. Note what else the kids are touching—if they get their hands on toys, the floor or the couch in the next room, make sure they wash their hands again.

To help with all of this activity, make a chart of what happens in the kitchen. Put a gold star next to things your kids can help with and a red “X” over what is off limits, and post the chart on the fridge. Make a prize for when they’re being a good helper, such as letting them help make a cake or a batch of cookies or even their own tools like measuring cups or their own special plates.

The importance of having the kids help out is not just an extra set of hands; it's the bonding time. Sharing a kitchen task can build your relationship while bestowing upon the kids a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!