We all will have to address a child's natural interest in the variety of shiny small wares we have in the drawer. Because we use peelers, mashers, and cutters in our home kitchens on a regular basis, children will naturally be curious about them; parents and caregivers look at that overstuffed utensil drawer as something that fulfills a purely functional purpose.

Because we use peelers, mashers, and cutters in our home kitchens on a regular basis, children will naturally be curious about them; parents and caregivers look at that overstuffed utensil drawer as something that fulfills a purely functional purpose. But what does a child see? Well. now that's different! Through the eyes of a child that over stuffed drawer looks like a toy box full of fun gadgets!

Given the right equipment and an opportunity to use it correctly, your child will be able to manage peelers, paring knives, and other kitchen gear with surprising dexterity and confidence. HOWEVER. without the proper training, those tools can also be hurtful to small hands.

When making your determinations, keep in mind every child is different. You should make the decision based on the child's ability to focus, their desire to learn, and their dexterity.

Children 7 to 9 can handle peeling tasks. Guide a small hand with your own hand at first. The more often they hear, "Always peel away from your hands, not toward them," the better. Have them peel over a paper towel for easy clean up.

Children 11 and older are usually ready to begin using a paring knife. While peeling vegetables with length like carrots help keep their hands and the peeler further and further apart from one another. Start this age group put with vegetables that offer a little less resistance, and are easier to cut, such as zucchini and peeled cucumbers.

Kids 13 and older can use larger knives and tackle more challenging cutting jobs. Even though these kids show more dexterity keep an eye on them. Usually this age breeds confidence which will lead to increased speed which can lead to cuts. A gentle reminder to slow down is often the best way to keep someone on the right road.

Make sure all your knives are sharp. If by chance, (and let's hope not) someone does get cut a cut from a sharp knife the cut be as bad as one from a dull knife.

Bon Appetit!