Kids and knives. Words that together bring forth images of trips to the hospital emergency department, tears and blood. For many parents, handing over a knife to a child is not something that’s on top of the skill list. Here’s why we should consider it earlier. In most Aussie homes, spoons are the first utensil of choice for babies and toddlers. Then come forks a little later. This is often around the time when babies start to eat normal texture family foods. I’m thinking that we probably leave the knives in those lovely kiddie cutlery sets too long. Are yours lonely in the bottom of a kitchen drawer?
Which knife?
Think of the kinds of actions that kids need to master with a knife. Set them up for success. Have a few different shaped and sized kid-safe knives on hand and pick one to suit each task. But before you rush out and buy something new, take a look at what’s already in your kitchen drawer. Look for knives that do not have a sharp edge. You should be able to run your finger along the blade and not cut yourself. As these knives lack a true sharp edge, kids may need to use more of a sawing motion to cut and chop.
Teaching knife skills
Demonstrate – show them how to use the knife
Assist – place your hand over theirs to guide the movement
Have a go! – let them try it by themselves
Spread, cut, chop
Spread – Get the kids to put the spreads on toast and sandwiches. Choose a knife with a smooth edge. It can be messy but once mastered its one less thing to do in the morning!
Cut – Start out by encouraging children to cut soft food such as cooked vegies or pasta, soft chicken or fish pieces. A knife with a serrated or jagged edge can make the job easier for firmer food.
Chop – Kids love to help with food preparation. You will need a knife with a serrated or jagged edge. A plastic “salad knife” can be really useful. I love the Scanpan™ salad knife which has a great rubber handle grip and doubles as a kid-sized cook’s knife. However, this may be too large for kids under 4. There’s also the Foost First knife for ages 2+ and the Foost Next knife for ages 6+. Both of these knives have a serrated edge, but do not cut little fingers. Try these easy foods to start – mushrooms, celery, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, watermelon (cut a large slice and let them chop it into pieces), hard-boiled egg, toast, ham.
As your child’s knife skills improve, choose more challenging foods for them to tackle. Rather than cutting up all the meat on your child’s plate, leave a piece for them to have a go at cutting.
Starting early with knife skills will really help in the long run AND it’s a cunning way to get some extra help in the kitchen!
Eat happy!
Deb Blakley
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Director