To most mothers, it is undeniably essential to teach their children the very pinnacle of domestic chores. Cooking is a task that engages both the mind and the body. Children often find it interesting to know how to create the delicious meals they eat.
When children come of age, parents often want to equal their eagerness by making the teaching process enjoyable. However, curiosity may put them in difficult situations without the proper guidance or equipment.
To avoid potential mishaps, there are several kitchen accessories you can purchase to ensure a fun cooking experience with your kid:
Apron
The need for a cute, colorful, and small apron requires no explanation. Children are visual learners who effectively imitate the most notable things they see. An apron will prevent messes and make them genuinely feel the role of cooking because they see their parents wear it.
Although the primary function of the apron is to teach your children not to get food on their clothes, children must also learn to look bright and presentable like their parents. You can find many great shops around such as My Happy Helpers that offer quality aprons perfect for the kitchen and allow your children to retain that adorable outfit.
Tongs
Frying is inevitable in cooking, especially when most of the food children enjoy is often dipped in oil. If the heat emerging from the pan scares your little helper, tongs help keep a safe distance, allowing them to participate in the process.
In addition, not only do tongs help with flipping the nuggets, but they also reach through boiling water. Cooking may also involve handling foods from the oven. It is the same principle of keeping away from the heat except, now, distance is being used.
Gloves
Cooking is not always cooking! Often, children will feel sudden cravings for cookies. Baking involves a lot of skinship with the ingredients, and therefore, it is vital to instill in the child’s mind the importance of wearing gloves.
The material over their hands will prevent any harmful particles from entering the food they are making. Of course, washing hands before handling the ingredients is most appropriate, but no one can monitor what else the child has touched. Therefore, using gloves is the safest way to go.
Arm Cuffs
Arm cuffs may sound new to the parent. It is a literal cotton cuff that covers below the elbow towards the wrist and serves as protection from oil, heat, or grease. The lower region of the arm is a child’s most vulnerable part of the skin.
Arm cuffs are usually made of cotton or muslin material which easily shields the skin from unwanted substances. Muslin fabric is incredibly breathable for the skin. Therefore, it is only rightful that arm cuffs be worn to avoid scars or burns, often gained in that part of the body.
Ceramic Blade Knife
The holy grail of the cooking process is cutting. Among many others, children want to learn the precision and sharpness of the cut, or maybe experience it. Ceramic blade knives, then, are highly recommended.
Ceramic blades are manufactured in a way that precisely cuts through food but requires great force to cut through flesh. The lightness of the design also allows children to lift and use it comfortably. Thus, if you’re looking for a safe way to let your children practice slicing, a micro-ceramic blade is the perfect tool for the job.
Stainless Steel Pan
Non-stick pans are all the rage nowadays. In addition, most households use non-stick pans for convenience due to the lack of time allotted for cooking. However, stainless steel pans are a better start for beginners as the heat is evenly regulated on its surface.
Children are yet to learn how to adjust the heat level and so they need an evenly regulated pan to assist. Of course, parents will be present to give them detailed explanations on how to do it properly; children must practice with the utmost comfort for them to enjoy the experience.
Wood Handle
Aside from using potholders, it is essential to use fool-proof items in the kitchen that eliminate every possibility of danger. Therefore, any equipment within the child’s reach must have a wooden handle; as much as possible.
Any other material except metal may suffice, but wood promotes a tighter grip and much less heat conductivity. Wood also has a brighter color contrast to the pan. Most wood handles come in beige or maple in color and will be identifiable compared to the dark gray portion of the pan, which visually engages the children to move their hands away from it.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is an exciting endeavor for children despite being quite exhausting for adults. Creating meals brings a family together as much as delectable food. But make sure to keep your kids away from the heat, the sharp edges, and the mess! Happy cooking!
This is a collaborative post. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
