Knives and cutting

Children learn through watching and doing.

Learning about knives and cutting skills when a child is not only a good educational learning experience opportunity but an invaluable life skill.

Prior to a child using a knife it is important for kids to know about knives, safe practices and how to use them properly and safely.

A good knife is a sharp knife, so when cooking with kids it’s a good idea to have some ‘rules’ for safety.

As the adult you will find you may do most of the actual cutting with the sharp knives but they can watch and be guided for how to learn.

When you are confident that are at the level to start to practice knife skills under your supervision and guidance sharing some top knife tips will help in limiting the amount of cuts as they develop their cutting skills.

• Always keep a firm hold on what you are chopping.
• Don’t look away or become distracted. Focus on the task..
• Keep your fingers curled under on the hand that is holding what you are chopping. This will help make sure you don’t cut your fingers.
• Make sure your knife is sharp. Blunt knives are the one that do the most damage.
• Some times you could use kitchen shears/scissors instead of a knife.
• Dull plastic knives are okay to use if you are spreading soft things like cream cheese or jam and a good introduction for a child.
• A wet cloth underneath the chopping board helps to hold the board in place so as not to slip.
• Use the correct knife for the task.