Knives and kids are frequently considered things to be kept separate, which is somewhat sensible.

However, your child should master some knife skills that will certainly benefit him in one way or another.

If you’re thinking it’s absurd to allow children to approach knives, this may change your mind.

Is it safe for kids to learn knife skills?

There are child knives available that when used properly, won’t cut tiny fingers, but they can cut through more items than you might anticipate. Most kids would sense discomfort and stop well before that happens because it would take a lot of sawing back and forth across the skin to be harmful.

Okay, so knives aren’t bad for kids, but what benefits, if any, does teaching youngsters how to use knives serve?

Is it safe for kids to learn knife skills?

There are child knives available that when used properly, won’t cut tiny fingers, but they can cut through more items than you might anticipate. Most kids would sense discomfort and stop well before that happens because it would take a lot of sawing back and forth across the skin to be harmful.

Okay, so knives aren’t bad for kids, but what benefits, if any, does teaching youngsters how to use knives serve?

Benefits of teaching kids knife skills:

1. Self-Reliance

“I’ll do it!” You’ve undoubtedly heard this exact sentence or one similar if you have a kid. Your child will benefit from having greater influence over the foods they choose and how they prepared them if they are refusing food at the table or only insisting on eating specific snacks all day.

2. Skill Development

Learning to manage a knife with their small hands helps children get ready to eventually master other skills like holding a pencil and tying their shoes which acts as a gateway to plenty of other skills.

So now that you’re convinced that it’s not harmful to your kids to learn knife skills, you probably want to know:

How to teach your kid knife skills

Teach your youngster the proper knife grip.

Ensure that your child has a solid, visible cutting surface, such as a cutting mat or board.

Start with very soft foods, such as strawberries, cucumbers, zucchini, and bananas.

Before offering your child food to cut, precut it into more manageable-sized pieces.

You should demonstrate a sawing action to your child.

Demonstrate the “top chop following sawing motion” to your child.

And that’s pretty much it.