Teaching Kids About Microwave Safety

Do you own a microwave? Do your kids use it?  It has been 4 years since I last used a microwave at home but recently we purchased one. Of course, having something new in the kitchen my kids were eager to use it straight away.. (something they were too young to operate before when we owned one) which got me thinking! Safety first!!

We all know how to sue a microwave but do we really spend the time teaching our kids? Perhaps we take for granted and learn the hard(and painful)  way, but we of course would not want our kids getting burnt by either hot foods or beverages taken out of a microwave.

I therefore came up with a list of "Do's and Don'ts for Microwave Safety" which I thought I would share.

• Make sure the microwave is on a low surface for your child to reach.
• Make sure the microwave is located on a solid stand, perhaps with an are next to it to place food just out of the microwave.
• Teach them how to open and close the door and also to stand back when doing so to let steam escape.
• Show and teach your child the controls on the microwave. 
• Know what kind of container to cook food in, we avoid plastic containers (unless they are microwave safe)
• To avoid confusion, keep microwave-safe containers in one place.
• Know how to take off cling wrap and/or lids carefully without the risk of burning.
• Once the food is ready, let it sit in the microwave for a minute or two.
• Never eat food immediately when it comes out of the microwave.
• Use a pot holder to take out the container from the microwave. The temperature of the cooking dish can get very hot.
• Make sure the time is entered correctly to avoid accidental fires.
• Avoid cooking butter/oils.
• If you have to cook hotdogs, prick them first with a fork.
• Don't try to boil an egg - it will explode!
• Do not use aluminum foil or metal in a microwave.
• Read instructions on packaging correctly!
• What to do in an emergency - such as a fire in the microwave.
• Learn how to keep your microwave clean.
• Display these microwave satety tips in your kitchen!

Obviously supervsion is key to a child using a microwave and will also depend on the maturity of your child. Young teenagers will show an interest in using a microwave, and it is imperative that they are given some form of guidance by you!

Feel free to add comments below of any other useful tips you may have.