New research from Ben’s Original rice shows half of UK parents wish they could cook with their children more often, yet one in five find it stressful.
Yet there are simple ways to make it easier. 26% of parents said cooking would be simpler if there were more easier, child-friendly recipes. Ben’s Original points to its microwave rice packs to create a quick, tasty and fun family meal.
The findings come as Ben’s Original partners with BBC Children In Need, pledging £200,000 to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK. The partnership will drive awareness and further fundraising efforts across channels in the weeks running up to and beyond the charity’s iconic Friday night live show (14 November).
Adding some extra star power, it’s teamed up with singer, TV personality and mum-of-two, Rachel Stevens, who – alongside two enthusiastic little helpers - is taking on a Pudsey Cooking Challenge. Together, they show how easy it can be to create a quick, family-friendly meal, demonstrating that creating meals together can be quick, tasty, and fun for the whole family, no matter what the kitchen looks like.
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 author Sarah Ockwell-Smith, who has also partnered with Ben’s Original, says cooking with 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: “When children feel trusted in the kitchen, they gain confidence and their self-esteem skyrockets. And when parents spend quality time cooking with their children, they often see improved behaviour and stronger family connections.”
To celebrate the joy (and reality) of family cooking and the benefits of shared meals around the table, Ben’s Original is also launching limited edition Pudsey Packs across seven bestselling microwave rice pouches - including Golden Vegetable, Basmati and Spicy Mexican - in support of BBC Children in Need.
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