When considering the design for a kitchen where children will be preparing meals, a few great ideas can go a long way in helping keep kids safe and adults happy. Safety first is always a great motto, especially around appliances. It would seem obvious that children should never use any appliance or sharp knives when adults are not there to help and supervise, but the reality is that some kids can and do use these things. Therefore, we should always install them for the safest use and always be prepared.
A microwave installed under the counter in the lower cabinetry is much safer for children to use because they view into the microwave to see how what they are heating is doing. It also gives smaller arms less reach when removing something hot. Many children are making their own meals and snacks after school and some are helping with the family cooking and meal preparations on a regular basis.
Kids who pack their own lunch for school may benefit from a basket or shelf system. You can sort items and allow the child to choose for themselves one item, lets say, from each basket. So one juice box, one piece of fruit, one kind of chips, etc. and they choose each for themselves. Less stress for all and options are theirs.
Water conservation in the kitchen is a brilliant idea, and it can be fun and easy for kids as well as adults. The best way I have found to conserve water in the kitchen is to install a pedal valve. With it, the user controls water flow with their foot instead of with the hands. It’s harder to walk away and leave the water running, and is very nice when your hands are sullied with goo and you want to wash them without having to also wash your faucet controls Children love it because it is fun to use. And that is why I love it, too.
Because burns and cuts are the most common kitchen injuries, the thought of having a first aid kit readily available is definitely a good one. Minor burns may only require a pinch of aloe vera, while other injuries, such as a cut, might need a bandage or some ointment. Keep the first aid kit is readily available and well stocked, and hope you never need to use it. Simple first aid is a great tool for kids to have. You never know when it will be needed and being prepared is the best way to avoid unnecessary incidents.
A fire extinguisher is always necessary in a kitchen. Always! Hope you never need to use it on a fire, but have one, know where it is, and make sure and check the expiration date.
