A Week of Healthy Recipes

Knife skills for kids

• Set out rules, such as no cutting without supervision and only adults take knives out of the drawer or knife block.
• Depending on their height, have the child stand on a stool with a gripped surface or have them seated at the kitchen table.
• Clear off a large cutting board so you can see exactly where their fingers are at all times.
• Get them comfortable by introducing a vegetable peeler before a knife.
• Stick to small paring knives, preferably ones with grips on the handle.
• Have them hold the knife firmly with one hand and the food they’re cutting with the other.
• Pre-cut vegetables and fruits to have flat bottoms so they don’t roll around.
• Keep reminding them to tuck the fingers holding the food to resemble a bear claw or any other animal they find relatable.
• When slicing, have them keep the knife tip on the cutting board at all times, using a rocking motion instead of picking it up to chop.
• Although it may seem counterintuitive, it’s important to use sharp knives; dull knives cause slipping.