Do/Would you allow your 10 year old to use knives?

onlyroz

My six-year-old took it upon herself to cut herself a slice of bread this morning. She used a table-knife directly onto our brand-new work top and the loaf looks like it was hacked with a machete. Time to teach her some proper knife skills, methinks...

WantToBeSE

I wish i had started both of mine then they were much younger, my teenager has no interest in cooking.

thorsoak

My 4-year old granddaughter uses a sharp knife to chop carrots into sticks ...as have my other grandchildren and my children before her. If they are taught to use a sharp knife properly - UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION - then there are few risks. If you let a small child use a blunt knife, then you have more chance of injuries. It's a case of being sensible - I wouldn't expect her to joint a chicken, or chop a steak - but veggies - yes!

She'll learn the other things later, as she gets older :-)

engineer_amy

I learnt to cook before my teens, mum had me helping out with making dinners. I was allowed to use the sharp knives. After the first time i cut myself (not badly, just a little slice) i very quickly learnt where my fingers should be!
It good that he is learning young, and is interested in it, just keep an eye on him and he will be grand.

marisco_2

Far more dangerous to bubble wrap kids and never let them experiment and learn how to be responsible around knives and all manner of other equipment. You are doing great by your son by encouraging him as you are. I bet he gets a lot of enjoyment from cooking for you all.

happy35

yes, i used to let my son use them at that age but like you I made sure he knew he could only use them when I was there. From about the age of 4 he used a well used paring knife that was sharp enough but not that sharp to chop up fruit to make fruit salad or just normal salad veg etc
At age 2 he used a dinner knife to cut up bananas for his breakfast, my 2.5 year old niece also does this with me when we make milkshakes or chops glace cherries for baking etc.
If he is interested in cooking then I think you are right to encourage him and if he is not particularly academic this is a good way of building his self confidence IMO

happy35

WantToBeSE wrote: »

I wish i had started both of mine then they were much younger, my teenager has no interest in cooking.

I cooked with my now 19 year old son from him being very young and he has no interest now, he is only interested in eating it. I am not worried though as I know if he had to he can cook he just chooses not to at the moment

WantToBeSE

onlyroz wrote: »

My six-year-old took it upon herself to cut herself a slice of bread this morning. She used a table-knife directly onto our brand-new work top and the loaf looks like it was hacked with a machete. Time to teach her some proper knife skills, methinks...

Oh dear, how is the worktop looking now?

happy35 wrote: »

I cooked with my now 19 year old son from him being very young and he has no interest now, he is only interested in eating it. I am not worried though as I know if he had to he can cook he just chooses not to at the moment

My teen can make supernoodles and that it. I REALLY need to teach him! He does a great job of washing up though!

geerex

Sharp knives are far safer when actually using them. 10 years old is fine and cooking is a great skill to learn. It'll get him some serious, ahem, points with the ladies when he's older.
Go for it.

sarahkmv

Perfectly sensible, sharper knives (used properly) are much safer than blunt knives, I can't see an issue with it myself, my 9 year old dd uses a sharp knife to help with the veg.

I think some people are to over protective, I'll never forget last year during lunch (I'm a TA) 2 year 4s (aged 9) asking me to cut their meat as mum does it at home coz using knives it too dangerous for primary kids!!