A poll found half of parents wish they could cook with their children more regularly
Seven out of 10 parents avoid cooking with their children more frequently due to time constraints and concerns about creating a mess. A survey of 1,000 parents with youngsters aged 6-16 revealed that half would love to cook alongside their children more regularly, yet 21% confess they find the whole ordeal far too stressful.
While 47% feel they don’t have enough time for cooking with their children, 25% blamed their reluctance to cook more often on the mess. It was also revealed 39% would happily create a meal more often with their children if there was simply more time in the day, and 26% wished there were easier, more child-friendly recipes to follow together.
The research was commissioned by Ben’s Original, which has brought out limited edition ‘Pudsey Packs’ across seven of its microwave rice pouches, to celebrate pledging £200,000 to BBC Children In Need, to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK.
Parenting author Sarah Ockwell Smith, who has teamed with the rice brand, said: “Cooking together could be the secret ingredient to happier family mealtimes as it brings them closer and boosts wellbeing.
“Cooking with your children is not only a great way to teach them life skills but is also a chance to create a safe space to spend quality time together – and even improves behaviour.
“When children feel trusted in the kitchen, they gain confidence and their self-esteem skyrockets. You don’t have to prepare anything fancy or complicated, for instance one of my family’s favourites to make was a simple meal of fajitas and rice.”
A study conducted via OnePoll.com revealed that four out of ten participants believe their child would relish the opportunity to cook with them more often.
Parents are particularly keen on cooking dishes like pizza (41%), pasta bakes (27%), rice dishes (22%) and curries (18%) with their little ones.
The rice brand also collaborated with singer and mum-of-two, Rachel Stevens, who – along with her two eager helpers – took part in a ‘Pudsey Cooking Challenge’ video for BBC Children In Need.
Rachel Stevens shared: “I absolutely love cooking with my children, it’s one of the best ways to spend quality time together.
“Even when it gets a bit messy or chaotic, seeing them excited about trying new foods and helping in the kitchen makes it all worth it. Challenges aside, these are the moments I’ll always remember.”
Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith reminds parents that children won’t become gourmet chefs overnight, but with a bit of encouragement, their confidence in the kitchen can gradually grow.
How you to gently nurture your child’s kitchen skills over time:
- At age 3 – They could pour milk and cereal into a bowl, or weigh out dry ingredients on a kitchen scale with assistance
- At age 4 – They could make a simple sandwich and chop up soft fruit and vegetables
- Age 5 – Learn to make and butter toast, as well as chop harder fruits and vegetables
- Age 6 – Understand how to handle and prepare meat safely, and operate a microwave
- Age 7 – Master peeling vegetables with a vegetable peeler, using a tin opener, and boiling an egg safely
- Age 8 – Learn to scramble an egg and whip up a simple omelette
- Age 9 – Be able to prepare a basic meal, such as a rice dish or a stir fry
- Age 10 – Learn to make pastry from scratch for a straightforward pie or quiche
- Age 11 – Have the skills to prepare a full meal for the family to enjoy independently
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