5 Kitchen Safety Rules Parents Need to Teach Their Children

Kitchen Safety Rules Kitchen safety kitchen safety for kids Food Preparation most important safety rule Clean as you go use potholders Observe and apply fire safety careful with the knife

By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Aug 18, 11:19 am

Photo: (Photo : Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images)

Working in the kitchen is an excellent way for parents and kids to bond or absorb valuable and essential life skills as they observe and eventually get involved in the food preparation with their mom or dad.

However, navigating the kitchen may also open the kids to potential dangers when sharp objects, electronics, and heated appliances are around them. Thus, instilling kitchen safety without instilling fear is paramount.

Here are five kitchen safety rules that parents should teach their kids:

1. Wash hands correctly.

The most basic act of washing hands is the most important safety rule, especially if kids handle food in the kitchen. The correct way to wash hands covers 20 seconds of rubbing with soap to ensure the removal of germs and bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The children should also be aware of when they must wash their hands as they help out with cooking and food preparation.

2. Clean as you go.

Spills and mess are expected in the kitchen, but the children should be taught to clean as they go to prevent slips and other accidents. Besides, it's a much easier process to work on kitchen counters that are not messy. However, this urgent cleaning differs from actual cleaning after everything has been cooked and set up. Keeping the kitchen hygienic is a good habit to instill in the kids, which they will carry through adulthood.

3. Always use potholders.

Burns are not fun, and kids must be reminded to use potholders before grabbing pot handles or hot bowls and plates. Pot holders are like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to prevent injuries, according to Caraway Home. Aside from protecting the cooks and helpers in the kitchen, pot holders may also protect countertops and tables from heat damage.

4. Observe and apply fire safety.

It's vital to stress to the kids that fire can be catastrophic. Only allow older children to operate the cooktop. They must never leave dishes unattended when cooking. They must also be oriented on what to do if a fire breaks out, such as throwing a lot of baking soda or covering the pan to extinguish it. Never swat the fire with an apron or towel. Water will also not work for grease fire, according to Defender.

Parents must invest in a fire extinguisher for emergencies and teach their kids how to use it, especially for an oven fire. On the other hand, putting out microwave fires could be as simple as unplugging the appliance and keeping its door closed.

5. Be extra careful with the knife.

Kids can develop their confidence and skills in handling the knife if they learn early. Parents can usually tell if their kids are ready for this task based on their motor skills. If the kids are ready, they can start with kid-friendly knives with a knife guard.

Always go slow with letting the kids cut food to avoid cutting their fingers and permanently causing an injury. They should be highly supervised when using the knife. Never let them out of sight.