Letting the Kids Loose in the Kitchen

I think that I would probaby start to let my kids help me in the kitchen around agfe 3. But that will only be when I am making things like cookies. I would let them decorate. I don't think that kids should be in the kitchen for any other reason until they are at least 6. It's just too dangerous with the knives and the stove. I've heard too many scary stories.

My grandson will be 2 on Saturday.

I already let him help me in the kitchen, and have been doing so for several months.

He is allowed to stand on a chair and help me stir. Yes, even when I am making something on the stovetop.

(I made fried apples by myself when I was four years old, which involved a frying pan and the stovetop. I just cooked the apples, though - my parents sliced them.)

He also helps me wash the dishes, although there's usually more soapy water on the counters (and on him) than on the dishes.

He is never unsupervised or allowed to do anything dangerous, but we believe he is old enough to learn proper respect for the kitchen. He knows the stove is hot and he knows you need to use pot holders when it's hot, as well as to keep back when the oven door is open.

He is allowed to use a canape knife (like a small butter knife) to help 'cook,' which means cutting soft fruit (such as melon) or spreading soft foods, such as peanut butter.

My sons were always with me when I cooked, so they learned of the dangers at a very early age.  The oldest son was left handed and found cooking cumbersome and did not enjoy it as much as the other two.  They are expert cooks today. 

 My twins were climbing up on chairs( at about age 2 I'd guess) and helping put chocolate chips/nuts etc into the batters.  They especially loved the electric mixer and one time one turned the mixer on when the other one's hand was in the bowl.  The little flexible hand slid right out.  No broken bones.  You do have to watch them every second and when you have 3 under 3 it's sort of a madhouse, but worth the effort. 

My grandchildren helped me from about the same age I'd say, around 2 and all 5 of them adore cooking.  In fact, when they all visit me, it's the grandchildren who are the most helpful to me.  They pitch right in and start improvising on my dishes. 

So, I'd say, get them in there as early as you are comfortable, because it takes much patience and a whole lot of supervision. 

It is a matter of understanding and reasonable compliance with safety and operational procedure.  Read your kitchen safety manuals for your stove, show the kids how to work safely with knives, and explain proper technique.

My sons were both able to handle excavators and track hoes at eleven.  Of course, professional operators were faster, but by fourteen, they were both fairly competent.

Safety first!  Disregard feminist double talk: "Err on the side of caution."  To inject random error into anything is an open invitation to accidents, permanent disability, and fatality.  Rather, show that you actually understand the safe use of household implements and teach by the tried and proven, lesson and test method. 

Show the kid, don't just say it.  The kid will need a step stool to get to your appliances.  Give the kid confidence, never fear.

Knives: show what it is supposed to do and how it actually works, how to sharpen and maintain them, proper cleaning techniques, safe storage and proper use.  Show how to select and use cutting boards, use a sharpening steel, and safe cutting procedure.

Stoves: show what heat does, let the kid put his hand NEAR the burner, and that will give him a clue how hot it gets -- and reasons to handle hot pots and pans with proper heat protection: hot pads, insulated gloves, etc.  Show actual cooking techniques, then let the kid cook something.  Usually, it is best to start with boiling water for hard-boiled eggs.  Then show how to make award-winning pancakes. 

Cleanup:  show how to load a home dishwasher, sort and put away the clean dishes, explain that it cleans by pressurized water near boiling, uses a non-foaming detergent (nothing else will work) and show what not to clean in the dishwasher: cast iron and some plastics.

Meal planning: ask what the family wants for dinner, and plan that out with the kid.  Show how to use cookbooks, food safety, sanitation, and basic family nutrition.  Show how to plan a balanced meal.

ABOVE ALL, AVOID THE TENDENCY TO YELL, "DON'T!" 

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