Are your kids allowed to sit on the kitchen side?

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Just that really. I don't mind kids sitting on the sides, wipe down before cooking etc anyway. They aren't wearing shoes or anything.

Dsis hates it!

No DC here but I often sit on the work surfaces. So do the cats

I put no, but they are teenagers!

When they were small occasionally I would pick them up and put them on there. I can’t remember what age exactly (and it probably differed for each child) but basically when they were mature enough not to stand up, chuck themselves off, open the cupboards and pull stuff out etc! For example I might have done it when making us some toast.

We had a tiny kitchen when my DS was small so he often used to sit on the countertop as I washed up. I always thought it was quite cute as we'd chat whilst I was doing it. As long as the counter is cleaned afterwards.

I used to sit on my Gran's draining board when I was small so she could wash me.

Well there is a bit in between when they're not 3 and adult sized....

Nope, mine are not allowed to do this - although as toddlers they frequently used to try and climb up the drawer handles like a ladder to get to the worktops which they always got a firm NO for trying. They have luckily stopped trying to do that now.

We've got cupboards over ours so there isn't really space, it's a pretty small kitchen, but no one has ever tried as far as I know, I've never done it myself. They just use the kitchen stools to hang out and we had a step stool to help them with cooking and washing up when they were little.

Same, so I've never had to think about whether I'd allow it. Probably not, it doesn't seem sensible for a few reasons.

My 26 year-old wouldn't fit!

I did let her sit up there very occasionally when she was tiny, but usually only so I could put a plaster on her knee or something.

I did and my kids can if they want to. I’m pretty relaxed though. I wouldn’t let them at someone else’s house obviously!

Yes. I do it myself too if the kitchen is crowded.

Mine dont want to/i wouldn't let them/not really any spare worktops but I remember sitting on my grandparents' one and watching birds which I loved.

I used to pick them up and pop them on when they were little. They 'helped' with the dishes and cooking. They loved it.

I wouldn’t have done but then I’d have been too lazy to clean everytime they’d been up there. It’s not hygienic if you don’t antibac after them.

I think some people have different images of kitchens from this. Some people have big farmhouse kitchens with tables and chairs (and even sofas) or breakfast bars, and others have tiny little galley kitchens where, if a child wants to be with you, then they HAVE to sit on the side or they are under your feet (and unsafe).

Yes when they were very little.
Not from older than about 4. DH has an (IMO) irrational fear of the worktops breaking. When he’s not around I stand on them when putting decorations up and cleaning and so far they’re fine.

Ours was very small when the DCs were young (about 3x4m) but we still managed to not do this or to trip over any of them when they were little. A small folding step stool was always kept to hand.

Our sides are normally too cluttered! But no, it wouldn't bother me unless getting up there included scuffing the cabinets!

Yes and I do too.

When they were little they especially would as then they could be at my height to help me cook or just chatter away to me whilst I was washing up etc.

Some of my fondest memories are off cooking or washing up and them sitting at eye level chattering away.

Same as when I was a teen and I’d be with my mates in their kitchen.

My kitchen isn't big enough 🤣 so no they don't. One day when I have a nice big kitchen if I have space I'll think I'll let them!

Ummmmm it’s not something anyone has done much but I wouldn’t mind if they did.
i often climb on them to reach the top cupboards if there is no one tall to hand.

DS does occasionally if he’s talking to me whilst I’m cooking. I don’t know why though, we have stools.

Sorry NRTWT but what's a 'side'?

What’s the relevance of no food in the living room?

I would call it the worktop.

Think “kitchen side” might be regional

It’s not a room for eating in. All meals are at the dining room table or snack/breakfast at the kitchen island. All meals are sat down for.