Parents often find that their children are more likely to eat foods and snacks if they have helped to prepare them in the kitchen, says the University of Illinois Extension Service. Allowing your children to assist you in the kitchen gives you the chance to teach them valuable information about fighting germs, preparing healthy meals, completing tasks and cleaning up after themselves. Ensure the health and well-being of you and your child by following safety rules when in the kitchen.
Prevent Burns
The kitchen presents a number of burn dangers to children. Teach children to stay away from the stove and oven when they are in use. Turn all pot handles to the back of the stove so children can not reach them, advises the Clemson University Extension Service. Keep all hot liquids and foods away from the edge of counters and tables. Do not allow children to remove items from the microwave, the stove top or the oven without your help. According to the University of Illinois, deep fryers are highly dangerous and children should not be in the kitchen when deep fryers are in use.
Prevent Injury
Do not allow children to run around in the kitchen; they may injure themselves on open drawers or cabinet doors. Keep all electrical outlets covered and teach children not to put their fingers or objects in the outlets. Don't let appliance cords dangle over the edge of counters or tables; children may be injured if they grab the cord and pull the appliance down. Place all knives and sharp utensils out of the reach of children. Do not leave older children unsupervised if they have permission to use sharp utensils. Immediately clean up floor spills to avoid slips and falls. Don't climb on counters to reach high items; always use stable step ladders or stools.
Fight Germs and Illnesses
Keeping the kitchen clean helps to keep the family healthy. Teach children that everyone must wash his hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after he handles and prepares food. Wash all fruits and vegetables with clear, non-soapy water before using eating or serving them in meals. Do not use the same utensil on different foods, especially when they've come in contact with raw meat, fish or poultry. Instruct children to store leftover foods properly and to put refrigerated foods back immediately once they are done using them, advises the University of Nebraska Extension Service. Clean and disinfect counter tops and stove tops to remove germs caused by food spills.
Fire Safety and Prevention
Fires are dangerous, destructive, and in some cases, deadly, so you do all you can to prevent kitchen fires. Do not leave the stove unattended when it is in use. Teach children not to place potholders, food containers or towels near stove burners when they are lighted. Have a smoke alarm near your kitchen and make sure you have a working fire extinguisher stored in a cabinet or closet in the kitchen. Know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Do not throw salt, water or baking soda onto a kitchen fire, the University of Nebraska advises. Have a proper exit strategy planned in case a kitchen fire gets out of control. Teach children to call 911 if they see a fire starting in the kitchen or any part of the home.
References
- University of Illinois Extention: Kitchen Safety for Kids Teacher's Guide
- University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County
- University of Wyoming: Kitchen Safety for Young Children
- Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Kids in the Kitchen
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Kitchen Safety and Snack Attack
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