My husband is adamant about keeping the baby gate locked at the kitchen doorway. He says there's too much in there that could hurt/burn them, etc. It started when my older son was an infant and in his walker. Our oven at the time was SUPER old (a 1952 Magic Chef, to be exact. I LOVED that range!) and it wasn't heat proof at all. When the oven was on, you could get a nasty burn just from touching the outside of the oven door. Anyway, we've since moved, and now, there's no reason why I don't see that our kids (ages 3 years [he'll be three on March 2] and 20 months can't play in the kitchen when I'm in there. Not necessarily while I'm cooking because that really could be dangerous. I mean while I'm cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, doing laundry etc. All the cleaning supplies/chemicals are put up on the shelf above the washer and dryer. Knife block is up on the back of the counter, etc. Basically, they could play with pots, pans, spatulas, etc. Husband says no--not allowed
2007-02-22 05:40:00 · 13 answers · asked by brevejunkie 7 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
in the kitchen at all under any circumstances. I say yes, they can come in to play while I'm in there cleaning, putting dishes away, etc. I think he just doesn't want to clean up the mess from when they get the pots and pans out, or take cans/boxes out of the pantry and stack them. What do you guys think?
2007-02-22 05:40:54 · update #1
kids have a lot of fun in the kitchen. Watching the muffins or cookies bake in the oven, helping mommy to prepare meals etc... As long as you are supervising them in the kitchen while the oven is on or there are knives out, there is no problem at all. This is your children's home too. They should feel comfortable where they live. Also, when my daughter was 3 1/2, she started helping herself to food in the fridge (cheese sticks or her cup of juice or she would take out the milk and bring it to me because she wanted me to give her a glass of milk, etc...) or she would pull up a chair to get crackers out of the cupboard. At first I was freaking out but then I said to myself, "This is her house too. I'm glad she feels comfortable and self sufficient in her own house"
2007-02-22 06:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'de keep the kitchen off limits. It's hard for a 3 year old to understand why its sometimes ok and sometimes not. It will send mixed messages. Your husband is right that things are dangerous in there. I'm sure your child has TONS of toys to play with on the other side of the babygate. Also if you want them to play with pots and pans take them out of the kitchen. Really my cousin pulled a boiling pot of water down on herself when she was about 3 and received painful 3rd degree burns. She normally wasn't allowed in the kitchen during cooking time...BUT toddlers will be toddlers...so when mom walked away...down came the pot...its really better to just say no its dangerous and leave it at that...
2007-02-22 08:50:56 · answer #2 · answered by kora_tori 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure. I say let them in. There are some good benefits for it. First, they get to explore the Tupperware and cabinets (safe stuff only, please) and they get to see what you do in there. I wouldn't have them in there when you are mopping or using a chemical to clean. Also, make sure you have cabinet locks. Those are easier to open and close for you and you can decide which cupboards and drawers they can go in instead of them just pulling every thing open. Kids LOVE to play like they are cooking, stirring, mixing. And they feel like they are helping Mommy. Another good thing is that they will see how food is prepared and -- especially your 3 year old -- they can help and get involved. This might make for less frustrating mealtimes, if they feel like they had a part in making dinner. Children are curious by nature, of course, and unfortunately, some get hurt in the kitchen. Some even get burns. You have to be vigilant and careful, but I say let them in and join the fun.
2007-02-22 06:50:16 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister is like your husband, no kids in the kitchen period! But I personally don't see anything wrong with it, with a few precautions of course. Make sure the range is anchored to the floor, no glass bottles or raw meat on the lower shelves of the fridge, no knives, no chemicals, make sure utensils (forks) aren't in a drawer that can be opened by them, clean out the "junk" drawer, cabinet locks and drawer locks where needed, cover outlets, keep pet food put up, etc. But these are all things EVERY parent should do whether or not their kids are in the kitchen.
2007-02-22 05:47:17 · answer #4 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see a problem with it. I have a daughter who will be 3 in april and she loves helping mommy. playing with pots and pans or even helping you with what ever your doing. Obviously you need to baby proof everything and puts dangerous things away. But if there are no sharp objects in the sink my daughter loves to help "clean" dishes just put some plastic bowls in the sink and she's entertained. Or while making dinner or making cookies she loves to help stir or what not. As long as they are supervised I don't see a problem Its a good opportunity for them to learn and spent time with you.
2007-02-22 08:03:05 · answer #5 · answered by cee_jae22 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For me I dont mind my kids in the kitchen if I or hubby is in there to supervise. I have locks on all the cabinets except the ones the pots and pans are in. Other then that i have a gate i put up to keep the kids out if i am not in there. My son who will be 5 in may can climb the gate and gets his own drink but he dont cook or mess with the oven or anything. I keep everything out of reach in there so there really isnt anything my kids can get into. Depending how ur kitchen is arranged and what there is to get into determinds wether u should allow ur kids in there. If things are easily able to touch or pull down, i would use cation. Just as long as u are in there as well i guess. i dont allow my kids to play in the kitchen just to play. I have to be in there too. I can understand ur hubbys concerns cause he is a daddy. my hubby comes home and dont realize what all my kids can and can not do as well in their growth of learning things. My hubby tends to be overly protective over some things and i have to reasure him that he or she knows how to do that or can not do that. what ever the situation is. Just respect ur husbands wishes as much as u can in ur daily life rutine and it will be fine. Just use judgement on when u feel it is ok for ur kids to be in there with u and when it may not be right. good luck and God Bless. most of all continue to explain to ur kids the right and wrong of life wether in the kitchen or not. they do have to learn.
2007-02-22 06:07:13 · answer #6 · answered by goober 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the kitchen is a fun place for kids to play!
as far as splashing in The water, helping mommy cook or prepare dinner. banging on all the pots and pans they can find!
but, the kitchen is off limits when they are in there alone because yes, they could hurt, burn..themselves! ect..
2007-02-22 05:46:51 · answer #7 · answered by sexii 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i agree with you.i spend a lot of my day in and out of the kitchen.my oven door gets really hot so i have to keep a close on on my 20 month old. i grab pots,spoons,plastic cups and so on and let the baby play while im doing my kitchen stuff.the baby needs to learn not to touch,learn the word hot and so on.the only thing i have to watch out for is the drawer with the forlks and knives.
2007-02-22 06:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I let all of my kids play in the kitchen, they loved pots, utensils, tupperware, etc. As long as you have thoroughly baby-proofed the room. Seems like there is something else going on with hubby. Have you asked him why? You 2 need to ge together on this. If he is truly afraid of injuries, they can happen in any room.
2007-02-22 05:56:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you're right. AND, if they're in there playing while you're doing other things than cooking, and they go for one of the appliances, it'll be a good way to teach them not to touch it - while there's no chance of them getting burnt.
As long as it's generally baby-proofed (light socket covers, nothing sharp in reach, etc.) which it sounds like it is - why not?
2007-02-22 05:54:55 · answer #10 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋