LONDON — In the mood for a spaghetti and chocolate sandwich? Half of mothers admit they’ve eaten something that looked awful because their child made it for them. A poll of 2,000 mom with children over eight years-old, finds 46 percent have had their youngsters cook them a “surprise meal” — only to look on in shock at its unappetizing appearance.
Exactly half felt they “had to eat” their child’s culinary creation despite what it looked like, as their son or daughter insisted on sitting with them until they finished the “food.” Unfortunately, 82 percent say their child took this as a sign to make food for them more often. It also emerged that 49 percent have pretended to eat a meal their kid made them, while 26 percent of those with dogs admit they ended up giving it to the family pet.
The research, commissioned by U.K. online supermarket Ocado, also reveals that 56 percent of mothers say their children have cooked for them on Mother’s Day. Birthdays, Christmas, and Easter are the occasions following closely behind.
“Cooking and eating together as a family is so important, but we know from our research (and experience) that children often need a helping hand when it comes to mealtimes,” says Laura Rowe, a food expert at Ocado, in a statement.
“Saving it for later” is an excuse 47 percent of mothers use to get out of eating a meal cooked by their child. Another 57 percent have even suggested giving it to their partner instead — as a way of getting out of eating it themselves. Despite generally getting away with it, 24 percent admit they’ve upset their child by turning down something made by them.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) claim they will eat whatever their little one makes them, no matter how unappetizing it looks, because they obviously made it “with love.” Sandwiches, pasta, and fairy cakes are among the most common foods children cook for their mothers, according to the OnePoll study. While making these meals, 66 percent say their child leaves no pot or pan unused, which ends up with parents having to spend hours in the kitchen clearing up the mess.
Ocado teamed up with British family recipe developer, Claudine Boulstridge, to create some simple and delicious breakfast recipes kids can create themselves. The meals include the “Mum-lette” — a fun and exciting omelet kids can decorate to look like their mom — yogurt bark rainbow lollipops complete with colorful fruits and seeds, and a three-minute microwave mug toast topped with Nutella and raspberries.
Report by 72Point writer Lucy Brimble.
