How to Teach Cooking and Baking Safety to Your Kids Working in the Kitchen
It can be fun for kids to learn how to bake and cook, as well as help them learn life lessons, such as being responsible and following directions, that will stay with them for the long haul. Having fun in the kitchen will also come with the knowledge of safety skills. It is important to think out the simplest ways to help your kids learn how to properly use utensils, appliances, and all kinds of other tools. When cooking, fire safety is an important factor. It is never too soon to teach your kids about how to stay safe when around the stove. Read on to explore some great tips on how to teach cooking and baking safety to your kids.
- Go Over the Rules
Rules apply for all kitchens. You should go over the rules with your children every time you work in the kitchen so that it becomes habitual for them. Safety is of most importance whether it be the right clothes and shoes to wear or how to correctly work a stove. Teach them that they should always be sure to wash their hands prior to and after handling food. Teach them to pull their hair away from the food and wear an apron to keep loose clothes from getting too close to the hot stove and keep their clothes from getting dirty.
- Teach Fire Prevention
Preventing fires in the kitchen is important for any and every family member to be aware of, especially while cooking. Teaching them how unsafe it is to leave hand rags, potholders and any other flammable fabric near the stove is essential. Talk about how the surface of the stove should always be cleaned after using it so that there is no oil left that could spark a grease fire. Make sure not to forget to also talk about the microwave; tell your kids about how dangerous it is to put anything metal in it and not to grab anything hot without protection like pot holders.
- Make an Emergency Plan
Having a plan set for times of emergency is also essential for kitchen safety. Make an emergency plan that is convenient for you kids to remember and manage. Practice and memorize it before starting kitchen projects. Keep a fire extinguisher close at all times and ensure that the entire family knows its location and how to get to it. Teach them how to call 9-1-1.
- Look for Tools and Jobs Appropriate for Your Child’s Age
All children’s projects in the kitchen should be appropriate for your child’s age, including the tools and utensils they use. Young kids can help out, but it’s dire that you only give them the simple tasks that will ensure they are safe and kept entertained.
Teaching your children about kitchen safety and how to properly handle utensils, tools, and appliances will be beneficial for them as they grow up. It will help ease your mind also. You can help give your little ones a boost of confidence and some great childhood memories if you help your kids cook a meal or bake sweets, especially during the holidays. Why not give them something as great as this that they will cherish forever.
Another great thing to teach your children is the importance of vegetables.