At What Age Is It Safe for Kids to Chop Vegetables?

Age Recommendations

• Kids progress with fine motor skills at varying rates, so a minimum age recommendation will not fit every child. Some 4- or 5-year-olds possess strong fine motor skills, and others are less advanced. Similarly, some 8- or 9-year-olds aren̵7;t quite dexterous enough to handle sharp implements in the kitchen. In general, by the time a child reaches 6 or 7 years of age, he is probably ready to begin using a knife to dice and mince vegetables, according to The Kids Cook Monday website, an initiative associated with the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.

Parental Assessments

• Watch your child to determine when she̵7;s ready to start handling a knife for kitchen prep work. You should see evidence of fine motor skills, such as handling measuring cups and measuring spoons well, operating a can opener, and manipulating stirring spoons and spatulas with ease.

Introducing Knife Skills

• When you feel comfortable teaching your child how to chop vegetables, provide detailed lessons on knife safety, advises an informational sheet published by the New Mexico State University. Provide an overview of the parts of a knife so your child understands where the sharp areas are. Give specific instructions not to touch the blade of the knife. Warn your child that, if he ever drops a knife, he should allow it to fall without trying to catch it because he could cut himself in the process. It̵7;s also important to wear shoes in the kitchen to prevent injuries to feet from a dropped knife.

Other Vegetable Prep Work

• Washing and scrubbing vegetables is an important part of the preparation process. Show your child how to use a vegetable brush to wash the nooks and crannies of carrots, broccoli, celery, peppers and cauliflower. A vegetable peeler can also be an ideal first tool that your child can use to peel carrots and potatoes. Instruct her about the sharp blades of the peeler and demonstrate the technique of pushing the peeler firmly across the surface of the vegetable to remove the outermost layer of skin.

Cutting Implements

• Some manufacturers market special kitchen tools designed for youngsters in the kitchen. These tools have serrated blades, often plastic, and special handles designed for smaller hands and safety. Consider purchasing your child special knives if he shows a desire to help in the kitchen regularly.