Safety when cooking with kids

Cooking can be fun and educational for children. A child can learn so many skills from cooking.

They can learn maths skills such as sequencing, measuring , counting and following directions. Eye hand coordination, reading skills, problem solving and fine motor skills are also a part of the cooking process.

As a child grows so can the complexity of the recipe for a child. Nevertheless, the foundation for safety must be instilled from the get-go.

Before a child starts to step into the kitchen to start learning and cooking it is important to instill the basic safety rules in the kitchen to protect and prevent accidents.

Learning about food safety is also key in understanding good food practices.

Children need to learn the best, and correct way to do things from the outset with plenty of opportunities to practice to master the skill.

Cooking is no exception.

Modelling the best and safest behaviour is very important.

Yes, cooking is great fun and kids can learn valuable life skills but it is vital that they know and understand the need for safety rules when in the kitchen.

• Roll long sleeves up.
• Long hair is tied back.
• Always point a knife away from you.
• Use sharp knives.
• Don’t touch the oven, hot plate, etc
• Always have an adult when cooking.
• Adults will turn ovens and stove tops on and do and/or supervise that part of the cooking.
• Turn on the oven light when cooking.
• Wash hands before cooking.
• Always use separate chopping boards for foods.
• Follow the directions for the recipe especially for the temperature and period of time to ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
• Be aware and careful about cross contamination.
• Safe storage of foods.
• Use correct utensils for the task.