Do you allow your child to use the microwave?

My son is 7 and he can put things in the microwave and can take them out. Usually he will ask for help on the taking out part. He also uses the toaster. He is very interested in cooking so it is hard for me to tell him no when he wants to help with everything. I don't want to deter him from learning and doing things if he is doing them safely.

Hello there! I have a 4 year old that loves to help me cook..everyday he helps me..from seasoning..marinating.everything..and yes i let him use the microwave..but only when im there..and he knows..and its been a year now. but i would never let him use it without me..of course..and hes a very bright child..and im not worried about him using it himself..the only thing i let him do is make his sandwhiches without my help lol..ohh u should see the PB & J all over the table!! lol..

i dont have kids but my sister has kids and they used the microwave all the time they stated used it when they were about 8 year old

When my daughter was 10 years old, she started to show interest in cooking. Of course, I did not let her use the regular stove, but I teached her how to use microwave oven in safe ways. I even bought her a microwave cookbook and we called Sunday "the family cook day". We had lots of fun and that memories stay with us even though she goes to college now. Well, children grow up fast, so family should do things together whenever they have a chance.

well the only child i have left at home is 5 and no she doesnt but my olders kids i think were like 13 before they used it

My Kids where not allowed to use the Microwave until they where old enough which was at the age of 14 I was always to scared in case they hurt themselves or something

Both my boys use the microwave. They are 9 and 14.

My granddaughter, who is seven, can make her own popcorn. I always would let my kids do stuff if they could, in hopes they'd be strong and capable.. I was always a good one for explaining things though.. So they would know how to do things.. Started teaching them about good driving when I'd drive them places as kids.. Makes me crazy when people don't explain things.. there's just way too much that can go wrong.. Our granddaughter knows what disaster it would be to, say, bake metal in the microwave..

Sometimes I will let my 6 year old son push the start button if he asks, but my children do not know how to use it. I don't remember at what age I learned how either.

I have three kids, 7, 9 and 11. If they are going to use ANYTHING, I prefer the microwave. I only let the oldest actually use it, usually for popcorn. They don't use it a lot, only if I am right there, but they like the feeling of doing it themselves. We have a propane range, so the microwave is a much safer appliance!

My children are 10 and 13 and they have been using the microwave for a few years now. I dont see any real danger in letting them use it. They use to ask me how long and they would push the buttons. now they do it on their own.

I have a 10,8,5,5, and all 4 of my kids are allowed to use it IF I know about it!!!

When My oldest son was 10 he was learning to cook on the gas stove. He was cooking thing like eggs, french toast pancakes and simple things My girls were baking younger than that. Of course they were closely supervised. We didn't have any accidents either. When thay are ready, thats the best time to teach them and start by teaching them safty first and only to cook when you are there. We did't have microwaves then. They are all in their 40s now

I dont have kids :) But I used to use our microwave right from when we got it, when I was around 8. I never even thought of being 'allowed' to use it, I dont really think it's a big issue. As long as they know that you can't put metal in there it should be fine! :)

Both my boys use the microwave. They are 9 and 14.

Both my boys use the microwave. They are 9 and 14.

LOL. My son is only 10 months old. I don't use the microwave for any of his foods or formula either. :) He's too young to be using "grown up" stuff anyway ! :)

I think 11 would be old enough to learn. But if you feel tere is no need then so be it. My 9 year old doesnt necessarily need to use it but he knows HOW to use it if he has to. Children love learning, there is no reason to withhold information from them. If your concern is radiation? there are better models of microwave these days. Less chance of any raditation.

no i dont cos he may get hurt

I personally try to encourage my children to use appliances and the such under my supervision to promote learning, responsibility, and life skills. My boys are ages four and six and they understand and are able to use many appliances. However, we did purchase the microwave with the lock feature and instruct them that before using appliances, like the microwave, they are to ask for our assistance and they do.