As most parents know, kids often take it upon themselves to try new things that they have seen their parents or older siblings do. While this is often a great way to learn, it can be dangerous if a child tries to operate equipment like a microwave just based on what he or she has seen, instead of knowing how to properly use the machine. Teaching your children a few simple microwave safety tips can prevent injuries and damages in your home.
Basic Guidelines to Follow
Don't use plastic. Explain to your children that plastic is unsafe in the microwave. Show them the plates and bowls that they can use in the microwave and put them where your child can reach.
Don't use metal. Any metal utensils or metal products like aluminum foil are dangerous in the microwave. They can spark and damage the microwave or start a fire. If your child wants to cover their plate or bowl, tell them to use a paper towel.
Watch out for steam. After cooking something in the microwave and opening the door, hot steam may initially escape. Tell your child to stand back when he or she first opens the microwave door and let the steam escape before taking the food out. If they are going to cook popcorn, let your kids know that the ends where the steam escapes can get extremely hot.
Use pot holders. Show your kids how to properly remove hot food from the microwave using pot holders to avoid burns.
Recommendations to Encourage Safe Use
To help ensure that your child uses the microwave safely, you can reinforce the safety guidelines listed above with a few simple actions:
Leave instructions next to the microwave or on the refrigerator that tell your child step by step how to cook a specific food. You can make a list based on the foods that they most commonly eat.
Give your kid his or her own "microwave kit". This could include a microwave safe plate and/or bowl, small pot holders, and paper towels that they can use to cook their food. Put all of the items together in an easy to reach place.
Keep unsafe items, such as plastics and metals, out of reach. This can help to prevent any microwaving injuries or damages in case your child forgets which items he or she can use.
Enjoy!
Microwaves are a great way for kids to heat up leftovers or after school snacks and may be a safer method for them to use than an oven or hard-to-reach stove top. Once they know the safety rules of microwaving, they can safely cook a variety of foods. Additionally, teaching them how to cook something for themselves can give a child a sense of confidence and self-reliance.
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