I remember being 4 years old and taking my first cooking class. I was so excited the day we cut something. I was given a white plastic knife to cut a banana. “Wow!” I thought to myself. “I am big enough to cut a banana. I can use a knife.” I was so proud of myself. I was so very careful too.
When my mom came to pick me up from my class, I could hardly keep from blurting out my excitement right then and there. “Mommy, I can cut with a knife.” In my 4 year old mind, I was becoming an adult. Adults are the only ones that can cut with knives. 
Well, my daughter continued to ask me, “Mommy, when can I cut with a knife? When am I old enough?” Well we started with plastic knives with playdough. Occasionally, I would allow her and her brother to use the little cheese spreaders to spread butter on their pancakes. But the question was still asked. “Mommy, when am I big enough to cut? When I am 6? When I am 7? I really want to cut something. I want to help.”
I got out a butter knife for her to cut some butter. I had her take her time and cut slowly. I explained to her where the sharp part of the knife was and showed her how to properly carry a knife from the drawer to her working area. She was very attentive and did all that I said. Then she cut the butter I had given her. She LOVED it.
Now, Penelope, my oldest, has cut butter, cheese, pancakes, bread, and zuchini. She is gradually moving from soft foods to harder foods. She is still afraid of the sharp knives. I am glad that she is. This will help protect her and keep her safe. She lets me knwo when she is nervous or doesn’t think she can cut something. But she is always excited about learning how to cut something new.
Have you worked with your kids on cutting? What did your kids start cutting with first? Do you have any fun stories to share?? Please leave a comment and share your story.
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Stacey Walker has a Homemade Gourmet Home Business. She uses her Homemade Gourmet products regularly for cooking fast and easy to prepare meals. She is currently using Homemade Gourmet in her meal planning and when teaching her children to cook. Visit her website at www.4minutemeals.com
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