Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity that’s full of history, which makes it easy to forget that it’s also a fairly dangerous craft that involves knives. You don’t have to forbid the kids from carving pumpkins, however, you just need to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety!
- Invest in a kit. Instead of using any old kitchen knife, invest in a pumpkin carving kit (usually sold online or in craft stores). The knives in this kit are a bit duller and smaller, which makes it easier for children to control them while carving.
- Be alert. Even if your kids are old enough to carve on their own, always keep a close eye on the process in case any slip-ups happen.
- Don’t remove the top. Though many people cut the top off of the pumpkin and remove the insides before carving, this makes it very tempting for a child to reach their hand inside while carving. Instead, carve the pumpkin first and remove the seeds after.
- Use an alternate craft for very young children. If your children are still toddlers, they’re too young to carve. Instead, supply them with harmless paintbrushes and some acrylic paints to decorate their own pumpkins.
Safe Halloween pumpkin carving [Consumer Reports]
Easy Pumpkin Carving: Safety Tips [Parent Dish]
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