Kitchen Rules For Kids

For several years I taught culinary classes through our local community college, and one of my most popular classes was my Cooking With Kids session. Each child brought an adult “helper” to class, and the children and I created an entire meal together, which we then served to their helpers. We also discussed manners, and I taught my students how to set the table properly. But the first lesson I taught to every class was the most important one in MY book…My very own Kitchen Rules For Kids.

My kitchen rules are applicable whether I’m teaching a class in a school setting, or in a friend’s home, or when I’m cooking with my own grandchildren…in their kitchens or in mine. I LOVE the time I spend with kids…in ANY kitchen!

My culinary kid’s class was for young children  (4-8 years old), and kitchen rules change as children grow and become more proficient in the kitchen. As I’m sure you already know…every child is different, and they have varying skill levels and maturity, regardless of their ages.

So here are my kitchen rules…in no particular order…

MEEMAW’S KITCHEN RULES FOR KIDS  (Ages 4-8) 

1.  ALWAYS cook with an adult. 

Kids this age should know the only time they should be in the kitchen is when you’re with them. Teach them the kitchen is a fun, happy place but it can also be a dangerous place…and your job as their adult helper is to teach them the safe way to prepare food. 

2. NEVER use the oven or stove  unless an adult has given you permission…and never use the stove without an adult in the kitchen with you.  

That is a job for adults only. The thought of a child getting burned or cut is always a worry…as it should be!

Our ten year old grand daughter has earned some stove privileges…but still with very close supervision! (Notice the burner is turned off in this “staged” photo since her hair isn’t pulled back!)

3. NEVER PICK UP OR USE A SHARP KNIFE.  

Cutting most things is a job for adults, but sometimes you may use a butter knife to cut soft things. (I began giving a cheese spreader to our grandkids as soon as they could hold it. They LOVED “cutting” the ends off of green beans…even at age two!)

4.  Always wait for an adult to read the recipe to you.

Listen carefully to the list of ingredients and to the directions. Make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you begin to cook. (Even really little guys can learn to peel garlic!)

5.  Make sure your hair is away from your face so you won’t have to touch it while cooking.

 

(You might be amazed at how often we ALL touch our hair and/or our face every day…and germs thrive in those places!)

6.  Push your sleeves up (or wear short-sleeves) and be sure your clothing won’t get in the way while cooking.

7.  Wash, rinse and dry your kitchen counter where you plan to put your food…and make sure you keep the area (and your hands) clean while you’re cooking.

 

8.  Wash your hands and fingernails with warm, soapy water…and  REPEAT this step if you touch your face or hair. I think kids (and some adults) are sometimes surprised at how often I require hand-washing while I’m cooking!

9.  Never touch your hair or face with your hands when you are cooking. (f you do…stop and wash hands again.)

10. If you drop something on the floor, ask an adult what to do next.

11. Clean-Up is Part of Cooking! Don’t leave a mess in the kitchen and expect someone else to clean it up. Teach responsibility at an early age!

And Meemaw’s Most Important Kitchen Rule…

HAVE FUN!  

You’re not just cooking and baking with your kids…You’re making MEMORIES!