When your little ones start helping with mealtime, be sure they are familiar with these basic kitchen rules. Kitchen rules for children lay the groundwork for safe practices, as they grow older and use the kitchen more. You should also be prepared to act as a mentor in the kitchen. Check out this article on cooking with children for a starting point. You may also find these great instructional videos for kids helpful! For some tasty ideas for kid-friendly foods, check out our breakfast ideas and lunch ideas tailored for kids. As their confidence grows, you may be interested in starting them on some quick meals. No matter how advanced their culinary skills get, these foundational kitchen rules will serve them well.

10 Kitchen Rules

Check that the oven and other cooking appliances are turned off before you leave the kitchen.
Keep electrical appliances away from water to avoid shocks. Stay away from electrical sockets, especially if your hands are wet.
If you burn yourself, tell an adult immediately and hold the burned area under cool running water.
Don't put knives or other sharp objects into a sink full of water. Someone could reach in and get hurt.
Watch out for sharp knives. Let an adult cut or slice foods or help you do it.
Never put water on a cooking fire -- it could make the fire bigger. Ask an adult for help! You can put out a cooking fire with a fire extinguisher. If the fire is small, it can be put out with baking soda or smothered with a lid. Leave the house and call 911 if the fire has leaping flames.
Don't put cooked food on an unwashed plate or cutting board that held raw food. Always use a clean plate to avoid cross-contamination and germs.
Never add water to a pan that has hot oil in it. It could make the oil splatter and burn someone.
Always turn pot handles in toward the back of the range top. This way no one can bump into them and knock the pot over.
Keep paper towels, dish towels and pot holders away from the range top so they don't catch on fire.