to expect a 12 year old to be capable of making me a cup of tea?!

[minikimmi]

So, my 12 yr old neice was here to visit her newborn cousin. Her dad came with her but had to pop out for an hour so I was left with niece, my newborn, and my 3 other DCs all under 6. Lots of offers from niece to feed baby, change baby etc but when I asked her if she could pop the kettle on and make me a cuppa she said she 'wasn't allowed to touch the kettle'. What the actual f**k? I'm biting my tongue here trying not to ask why on Earth not?? I haven't heard any tales of her scalding herself in the past or anything. AIBU? Am I going to have to wait at least another 7 or 8 years before any of mine can make me a bloody cuppa? Please restore my faith in the youth of today!

Hostess badge no longer involves making a hot drink

Home Safety does though

are her parents usually very overprotective??

My 1 year old operates the Nespresso machine under supervision and makes me a latte and him a babycino. He knows to avoid any steam but does sit and giggle at it saying "like a steam engine".

I'm totally with the idea of it being a progression on this sort of thing. Allow them to do as much as possible and teach them about safety and WHY they can't do certain bits yet as you go.

I would expect a 12 year old to be able to do most things in the kitchen, including tea making.