UPDATE: A new poll reveals that a staggering 70% of parents avoid cooking with their children, citing stress and time constraints as key factors. This urgent finding comes from a recent survey involving 1,000 parents of children aged 6-16, shedding light on the challenges families face in the kitchen.
The data, gathered by OnePoll.com, indicates that while 50% of parents wish to cook more frequently with their kids, a significant 21% report that the cooking experience is simply too stressful. 47% attribute this reluctance to a lack of time, while 25% fear the mess that often accompanies meal preparation.
Interestingly, 39% of parents expressed that with more hours in the day, they would be more inclined to cook alongside their children. Additionally, 26% cited the need for simpler, child-friendly recipes as a barrier to cooking more often.
The study was commissioned by Ben’s Original, which has launched limited edition ‘Pudsey Packs’ to support BBC Children In Need, pledging £200,000 to aid children and young people facing challenges across the UK. Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell Smith, who collaborates with the rice brand, emphasized the benefits of cooking together, stating, “Cooking together could be the secret ingredient to happier family mealtimes.”
Ockwell Smith highlighted the emotional connection fostered through cooking, noting it teaches life skills and builds confidence in children. “You don’t have to prepare anything fancy. A simple meal, like fajitas and rice, can create lasting memories,” she added.
Four out of ten parents surveyed believe their children would welcome more cooking opportunities. Popular family dishes include pizza, pasta bakes, rice dishes, and curries.
In a bid to promote family cooking, Rachel Stevens, singer and mother-of-two, joined the campaign with her own ‘Pudsey Cooking Challenge.’ In a video clip for BBC Children In Need, she shared her love for cooking with her kids, stating, “Even when it gets a bit messy or chaotic, seeing them excited about trying new foods makes it all worth it.”
Experts stress that building kitchen skills takes time. Ockwell Smith provided a roadmap for parents to gently develop their children’s culinary abilities. Starting as early as age three, children can help pour milk or weigh ingredients. By age eleven, they should be capable of preparing a full family meal independently.
Parents are urged to reconsider their approach to cooking with their kids, turning the kitchen into a space for learning, bonding, and fun. With many families feeling the pressure of busy schedules, this report serves as a timely reminder of the joy and connection that can be fostered through shared cooking experiences.
WHAT’S NEXT: As families prepare their holiday meals, experts encourage parents to embrace the mess and chaos of cooking together. With the right mindset and a few simple recipes, cooking can transform into a cherished family activity, making mealtime a time for connection and joy. Share your cooking moments with us!
