Lisa Aldwin serves as Programme Manager of Eat Smart Sheffield, a Sheffield City Council-funded initiative promoting comprehensive school approaches to food and nutrition. She is a Registered Nutritionist and a parent of two.
How often do you cook or bake with your children? What has been the biggest challenge?
Lisa describes her family as “busy” with two working parents managing children’s extracurricular activities. She estimates cooking together occurs at least once a month, but aims to increase frequency. Her 11-year-old son recently baked chocolate chip cookies independently — a sign of growing capability and confidence in the kitchen.
Why do you think we should cook with our children?
Lisa emphasises that “children can do more in the kitchen than we may credit them for.” Teaching cooking skills prepares children for independence and builds gratitude for the effort that goes into meals. She also notes that children prove far more willing to eat meals they have helped to prepare. Her family has successfully made spaghetti Bolognese, chili, jambalaya, pizza, stir-fries, and shepherd’s pie together.
What advice can you give us?
Lisa recommends beginning with familiar, uncomplicated dishes — something the whole family already enjoys. She suggests consulting cookbooks from charity shops or libraries, and exploring the many excellent free online recipes available. Her key insight: “Not only do you all get well fed at the end of it, but you can feel content knowing you’re teaching them skills for life.”
Whether it’s rolling pasta, stirring a sauce, or decorating a cake, every moment in the kitchen with your children is an investment — in their skills, their confidence, and your relationship with them.
