Parents don’t cook with their children due to lack of time and fear of mess

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 offspring more regularly, but 21 per cent admit they find the experience too stressful. While 47 per cent feel they don’t have enough time for cooking with their children. But 25 per cent blamed their reluctance to cook more often on the mess. 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.”