Seven in 10 parents don’t cook with their children more often due to lack of time and fear of mess. A poll of 1,000 parents of 6-16-year-olds found half wish they could cook with their children more regularly, but 21% admit they find the experience 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.”
Four in ten of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, believe their child would like to cook with them more than they currently do.
The most popular dishes parents are interested in cooking with their children include pizza (41%), pasta bakes (27%), rice dishes (22%) and curries (18%)
The rice brand also teamed up with singer and mum-of-two, Rachel Stevens, who – alongside two enthusiastic little helpers – took on a ‘Pudsey Cooking Challenge’ in a video for BBC Children In Need.
Rachel Stevens said: “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 coach Sarah Ockwell-Smith reminds parents that children don’t become gourmet chefs overnight but with a little encouragement, kitchen confidence can grow step by step.
HOW YOU MIGHT GENTLY BUILD KITCHEN SKILLS OVER TIME:
Age 3 – Pour milk and cereal into a bowl, or weigh out dry ingredients on a kitchen scale with help.
Age 4 – Make a simple sandwich and chop up soft fruit and vegetables
Age 5 – Make and butter toast, chop up harder fruit and vegetables
Age 6 – Know how to handle and prepare meat safely and use a microwave
Age 7 – Peel vegetables using a vegetable peeler, use a tin opener and boil an egg safely
Age 8 – Scramble an egg and make a simple omelette
Age 9 – Prepare a simple meal, such as a rice-based dish, or a stir fry
Age 10 – Make pastry from scratch, for a simple pie or quiche.
Age 11 – Be able to prepare a full meal for the family to enjoy independently