Philly Eats Third Edition 2017

Let’s Get
Them Started,
Kids in the Kitchen
Done Right
For a good deal of families, traditions
take place in the kitchen.
Allowing our children to
be a part of these events is a
wonderful way to make memories
and build an important
life skill. Nothing starts a story off
better than remember when. We just
want to recommend taking some basic
safety steps to ensure sure your
memories are happy safe ones.
The most important piece of safety
precaution in the kitchen is close,
attentive supervision. Whether it is
helping an adult chop, cook or simply
watching, children should always be
actively supervised – which means
that the child is in sight and in reach
at all times.
Scald burns from hot liquid or
steam are the most common type of
burns among children ages 4 and under.
Burns — from spills, steam, hot
surfaces, hot oil and flames— can be
especially dangerous injuries because
young children have much thinner
skin than adults, they burn more severely
and at lower temperatures.
In addition to hot surfaces, hot liquids
and sharp objects, another major
hazard in the kitchen is your kitchen
appliances. It is great to make a cake
with you child but when you are done
using the mixer or blender make sure
you pull the plug. The last thing you
want is having your child putting their
finger on the shiny fast things.
For the children who can follow
directions and may be ready to help
out in the kitchen with tasks that
do not involve knives, appliances, or
heat. Some examples of child-friendly
tasks include:
● tearing lettuce
● rinsing fruits and vegetables under
cold water
● stirring ingredients in a bowl
● using cookie cutters
● measuring dry ingredients
● cutting soft fruits with a butter
knife
These are all important jobs and
if your child gives you a disappointed
face you can tell them every chef in
the world does this before they cook
or serve. It is part of making a meal
and it is very important.
You know your own children.
Don’t give them knives or let them
handle anything hot until they have
shown the maturity and coordination
to do it safely. Some children mature
faster than others, so it’s up to parents
to use good judgment about
each child’s capabilities. We hope all
children enjoy the art of cooking, then
maybe the world will get a little lighter
with less processed food being consumed.
August 2017 Philly Eats Magazine 37