Why Can’t My Parents Teach Me to Cook?

As a kid, I remember helping in the kitchen from an early age. My parents started with the basics: setting the table, learning the ropes by preparing simple meals, and eventually, preparing more complex dishes as I grew older. However, despite these experiences, I find my parents hesitant to teach me how to cook more advanced meals. This has led me to seek alternative ways to both learn and get involved in the kitchen, one way being by watching cooking shows aimed at children.

Discovering Cooking Positively Impacting Kids

Discovering shows like Food Network’s Chopped Kids and Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef Kids has inspired me to take on more responsibilities in the kitchen. The contestants on these shows demonstrate how kids can master complex dishes with a little guidance, enthusiasm, and practice. Inspired by these shows, I began to explore ways to get my parents to teach me how to cook. After all, cooking is not just a task, but a passion and a skill I want to develop.

Approaching Parents with Enthusiasm

The key, I believe, is communication. If they are not aware of your desire to learn, they might inadvertently hold back. Start the conversation by sharing your excitement about cooking with them. Let them know that you're interested in helping with meals and also learning new skills. Show them that you can handle responsibility by offering to pre-prepare dishes alongside them.

Practical Steps to Get Them Onboard

Once you have their attention, here are some steps to take:

Chore swapping: Propose a trade where you handle preliminary preparations while they oversee the cooking. For example, you can help with the mise en place. This not only eases their workload but also gives you a sneak peek into the complex process of cooking. Simple tasks: Offer to help with simple tasks like setting the table, washing dishes, or even grocery shopping. Use these opportunities to discuss cooking and the different elements involved. Parent-child cooking sessions: Suggest cooking a dish together. Start with something simple, then gradually progress to more complex recipes. Both of you can learn and have fun in the process. Usage of cooking shows: Continue watching cooking shows and discuss the recipes and techniques used in the shows. You can prepare the dishes at home and compare them to the ones from the show.

Understanding Parental Hesitations

It’s possible that your parents are not expecting you to take on this responsibility just yet. They might view it as a way to show care and love by doing things themselves. However, you can guide them to see this as an opportunity to spend quality time with you while imparting important life skills. Consider the advantages of cooking, such as independence, creativity, and bonding over shared meals.

My parents had me and my brothers helping in the kitchen starting at 3 or 4, setting the table, prepping dinner, making lunches for school, and even baking cupcakes/pies for school projects. By the time we reached junior high, we were making dinners and desserts a couple of times a month. During high school, we made dinner a couple of times a week.

Now, with the help of these shows, I’m more eager to learn and be involved. I suggest starting by proposing simple tasks and gradually increasing the complexity. Remember, patience and understanding are key. By showing your commitment and responsibility, you can convince your parents to give you the opportunity to learn and grow in the kitchen.