According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires.  And many kids want to get involved with cooking around the holidays.

Kids in the Kitchen: A Recipe for Safety

As we begin to head into the fall and winter months, a time when baking and cooking festive feasts, it is important to remember these tips for protecting your children in and around the kitchen.

One cup of sugar, two tablespoons butter, combined with one cup of supervision, and a pinch of patience can be the right mix during these hectic times.

As holiday goodies are being prepared, children are eager to lend a hand. Whether decorating cookies or mixing salad dressing, children need close adult supervision at all times in and around the kitchen.

Age-Appropriate Tasks for Children

Since each child is different, it is important for parents and caregivers to consider the developmental level and abilities of their children when it comes to assigning kitchen duties. 

Generally, children under age 10 don’t fully understand what danger means and therefore should not handle the stove, electrical appliances, sharp utensils or hot dishes. Younger children can begin helping in the kitchen with basics like washing vegetables and fruits, or other tasks that don’t require sharp knives, appliances or heat.

Following are a few suggested activities and age guidelines that Safe Kids USA and the NFPA recommends parents review to help keep the kitchen a fun, safe place for the family.

Children between 3-5 can:

• Get ingredients out of the refrigerator and cupboards. 
• Stir ingredients together in a bowl.
• Pour liquids into a bowl. 
• Rinse foods under cold water.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes in dough. 

Children between 6-8 can:

• Use a butter knife to spread frosting, peanut butter or soft cheese.  
• Peel vegetables.
• Measure ingredients.
• Stir together ingredients in a bowl.
• Set the table.

Children between 9-12 can:

• Begin to follow recipes.
• Use electrical kitchen appliances such as blenders, food processors, electric mixers and microwaves.  
• Help plan the meals.
• Open cans.
• Squeeze garlic from a garlic press and use a grater to shred cheese and vegetables.  
• Turn stove burners on and off and select oven temperature when an adult is present.  

Children above age 13 can:

• Operate the stovetop without adult supervision.
• Drain cooked pasta into a colander.
• Remove a tray of cookies from the oven.
• Heat food in the microwave without adult supervision. 

Did you know?

Fire Prevention Week was created to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Dating back to the 1920s, every year during the week of October 9th Fire Prevention Week is celebrated. 

General Tips for kitchen safety:

	Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking and never leave a child alone while cooking.
	Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot items.
	Cook on back burners, and turn all handles away from the front of the stove.
	Make the stove area a “Kid-Free Zone” (3 feet is  a good distance).  Mark it on the floor with bright tape.
	Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables. Be especially careful around tablecloths — children can pull hot dishes down onto themselves

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