One of the most important life lessons you can give your kids is how to cook and enjoy food, and it’s never too early to start.

According to a 2005 government report, nearly 25% of British children under the age of 5 are overweight or obese, so it’s more important than ever to teach them about food from an early age.

Cooking from scratch

Learning to cook fresh, wholesome food equips your child for a healthier, happier life – while getting involved in the day-to-day preparation and buying of food will also help avoid food issues later on in life.

“Tess (2) picks things up off shelves and puts them in the basket. But we don't need pickled winkles, I say. Yes we do, Daddy. So we either buy them, or I sneakily put them back on the shelf. I wouldn't insist that we don't need them as I fear this might discourage her.” John

Even as young as 18 months children are drawn to bright colours and interesting tools in the kitchen and these “games” are key to getting them off on the right track.

“Alexander (4) is a real boy, and enjoys cutting - bits of toast, peppers and melon – and loves colours and shapes e.g. a pepper as a spaceship. We tell him that red food will make him fast like Spiderman and green food like the Incredible Hulk, which seems to get him to eat his veggies!” Jill

How to teach your kids when cooking is new to you too

Learning to cook together can be a real adventure, providing you make it fun. Good food is about nurturing your body and your mind – and you don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy it.

Get a feel for ingredients and how flavours work by starting with simple things that your child can be involved in, like pasta with a handful of quartered cherry tomatoes, a handful of torn basil, a drizzle of oil and balsamic vinegar. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how good it tastes. As your confidence builds you’ll feel more comfortable about following more complex recipes.

“My best tip for parents is to get Dr.Seuss’ book ‘Green Eggs and Ham,’ says mum-of-two Jody. “Sam-I-Am is bugging the character to try green eggs and ham, but he keeps saying he doesn’t like it even though he’s never tried it. When he finally does, he loves it. So I always say ‘green eggs and ham’ to the boys (7&4) when I want them to try something new and it works every time.”

What to cook, when

2-3 years

• sifting flour
• stirring
• licking the spoon of course
• Putting smiley faces on pizza
• Smelling spices
• Breaking eggs for omelettes.

“One thing Tess (2) loves doing is smelling spices. It’s a game she loves and encourages her to develop a sense of smell. She can do cloves, and has real favourites,” says mum Sally.

4-5 years 

• Cutting easy fruit and veg like avocados and melons, or slices of toast.
• Decorating cakes and biscuits
• Blending smoothies.

5+

• Move onto supervising whole meals like tomato sauce for pasta.
• Get them to help with lunchboxes.