Is 8 too young to use a sharp knife for cooking?

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DDs who’s 8 loves helping me in the kitchen but I’ve never let her have a sharp knife yet so she uses a peeler for carrots and potatoes and has a pull string chopper but I still do anything that needs a sharp knife.

What age did you let your child use a sharp kitchen knife?

Ah ok thanks, I see I have been a bit over cautious then.

I did the same - same with oven and kettles and lighting matches. Sharp knives under supervision but they were peeling potatoes and chopping them up with me from aged 2.

We got this when eldest was 2. It’s super sharp but also very easy for kids to hold

Oh and teach them to light matches and lighters too. Matches first and light them properly and horizontally and hold them horizontally. Show them how to put a match out - blow it hard. Teach them not to drop on the wooden table but a plate and to cool or dip in glass of cold water before going it compost.
hair back (preferably tied etc) etc all the basic stuff.

they need more strength in their hand for lighters. We showed them outside out to put out fires and how to use the fire blanket and where it was. We also have a fire extinguisher and showed them and got them to use that and ordered a new one. We practised (not actually) dialling 999 and what to ask for and basic first aid. We wanted them to know.

We have that one too! And a cheese slicer etc a proper cheese slicer with the wire etc or sort of kitchen stuff!

Younger than 8, carefully supervised. By 8 dd2 was cooking simple meals and in competition with her friend learning new recipes (this was excellent for my workload!)

About 3 or 4 I think.

Similar to others. Age 2ish for peeling and grating. Chopping up soft fruit and veg with a more blunt, child sized knife. 3ish for sharper knife and chopping trickier veg. Supervised but unaided cooking on a hob/camping stove by 7.

There are videos on YouTube to show how to chop etc safely.

When she was 4. At the time we were getting children's meal boxes with a cooking video which taught her to make a bridge shape over the knife with her hand.

18m with firm plastic knives, developing his dexterity to introduce real knives between 3-4.

Lots of drawing, painting, throwing and catching and knife and fork work to develop strength.

Preschool age as long as they are supervised.

I bought mine her own knife at age 3 and she's never had an accident with it.

Both of mine were using the knife block knives by upper end of juniors. Think by that point the eldest was occasionally cooking the full family meal - but she is a really good little cook. Younger child is very dyspraxic so we were a bit more cautious but she had to learn as well at some point so we've just gone slow and steady.

Aged 7 on a Brownie camp, which made me realise I was being too cautious.

Thank goodness 😀 6 months later, when I did my back in and spent 10 days unable to move, she was able to cook simple things e.g. spag bol. I lay on the floor and talked her through it.

This is exactly what I did! With scissors too, her nursery were so surprised she cut out shapes.

From 4, with supervision

I think from age 6 she started using a small sharp knife to cut easier things like pepper/cucumber, she’s 9 now and uses the bigger knives and can cut carrots/broccoli etc. She loves helping with food prep.

Age is just a number…it depends on maturity and ability to follow instructions.

I thought it was too young but I seem to be in the minority. I have an 8yr old and I just think she’s still too young. Would be scared she would cut herself even under supervision, it just takes one slip. Wouldn’t want to put her off for future either.

I was actually just talking to DH about when she shld be allowed to use the kettle and make tea. I’m sure I wasn’t much older. She doesn’t show an interest in cooking though. My 6yr old does. I let her peel carrots, stir the pans, use the blender and handheld mixer (with help) but yet to let her use a sharp knife. She can butter things with a butter knife.

I don’t tuck my fingers under when using knives, I’ve tried but it’s not comfortable, I’m just careful and haven’t cut myself. I’m not exactly a great role model for knife using!

3 is old enough to use a sharp knife under supervision. I think it depends what they are cutting too. Things like strawberries or cucumber (soft-ish with uneven surface) are easier (and safer to cut) than tomatoes or grapes (soft with smooth surface) or something hard/tough like a melon or turnip.

At 8 I might expect her to use a sharp knife to cut raw carrots with supervision.

This is interesting as I’ve had far worse cuts from a peeler than a knife! 😂

My 5 year old does with strict supervision. It does kind of set me on edge tho!

Toddler age. A sharp knife used safely is much safer than a blunt knife, because you don't need to put any pressure on.

But teach them the basics like making a fist of their fingers (ie., not putting their fingers in the line of the knife!), always cutting onto a matt on a flat surface, always pressing gently, etc.

DD is 8 and I am teaching her to cut against her thumb, which is how I grew up cooking. But early on you definitely go for hyper-safety.

Quite young around five is suitable. My ten year old twins are competent so peeled Brussels sprouts and carrots for dinner yesterday. They’ve been helping cook since they were toddlers plus brownies/ guides.

My kids both use sharp knives (5 and 7) with supervision and support. My eldest has poor fine motor control so I’m more cautious with him but it’s important he learns.