· Cleanliness. Teach about food sanitation and cleaning up while you are cooking and after cooking.

· Always use Kitchen Safety.

· Read through any recipe you are using. Double check you have all ingredients available.

· Patience (FOR PARENTS ALSO). There will be spills and the finished product might look unappealing but relax and realize the learning that is happening with your child. Making a mess or spilling is going to happen and if we lose patience, they will be fearful of not doing it “right.”

· Praise. Help their self-esteem by praising a job well done !

Review Oven Safety

Please discuss and show your child the steps of Oven Safety.

· Always use pot holders.

· Make sure small children are out of the way when handling a hot pan off the stove.

· When removing a hot pan from the stove to the sink or table, let everyone know you are moving by letting him or her know you are coming even if you have to yell HOT PAN COMING THROUGH.

· Pot handles should be facing inward so small hands cannot grab the handle.

· Know how to use your stove, what is high, medium, low. How to turn the oven on, etc.

· Keep stovetop and oven clean. Leftover grease and residue can start a grease fire.

· In case of a grease fire never pour water on the fire. Cover the pan with a lid or close the oven door.

· Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen but away from the stove. Learn how to use it.

· Never leave anything on the stove unattended.

Learning About Knife Safety

It is hard to determine at what age your child is ready for using a knife. Knife safety is important and if you feel your child is not ready skip this lesson until you feel it is the right time. You are the best judge as to what your child can and cannot do.

Here are some tips for teaching knife safety but you as the adult will be showing them the procedure so if you feel you have a little to learn about knife safety please do so also. We have a kids cooking video below that will help you with the proper knife technique.

· Always use a cutting board. It is safer to cut and better for the countertops! Use a large board to allow more space.

· Always have adult supervision.

· Use a good sharp knife. Dull knives are more likely to cause an injury.

· Curl your fingers under/tuck them in when you are holding whatever you are cutting. For example, when cutting an apple tuck your fingers you are using to hold the apple in.

· Be careful when carrying a knife always carry it point down.

· If a knife falls step back and let it fall don’t try to catch it!

· Place things on a cutting board to cut. Don't cut holding things in your hand.

· Pay attention to what you are doing. Don’t get distracted and always keep your eyes on your cutting.

· Never leave your knife in a sink where someone can reach in unaware and grab it. It is best to clean, dry and put away knives after they are used.

· Point the knife blade away from you. Do not cut toward you or your fingers.

· Store knives in a block not loose in a drawer. It isn’t good for the blades or for fingers reaching in a drawer.

**If you cut yourself run under cold water. When it stops bleeding dry with paper or cloth and use a band-aid. If it is a deep cut or doesn’t stop bleeding apply pressure to it, hold it above your heart and seek medical attention.**

All good chefs follow these saftey rules !