**Making Mealtime Memories: GBBO’s Briony May Williams Encourages the Joy of Cooking with Children**
Briony May Williams, beloved former contestant of *The Great British Bake Off*, is on a mission to help families rediscover the joy of cooking together—mess and all. The popular TV presenter and baker has revealed her tried and tested strategies for bringing children into the kitchen, suggesting that a relaxed approach to spills and chaos can transform meal preparation into memorable family time.
In her recent collaboration with food brand Herta, Williams highlighted how involving children in the kitchen holds a host of positive benefits—ranging from boosting confidence to expanding tastes. While many parents are keen for their children to join in at dinnertime, a recent survey of 1,000 parents of young children suggested that more than four in ten find it difficult to make this a regular family activity.
Williams, who often cooks alongside her nine-year-old daughter Nora, urges parents not to let worries about disorder put them off. “Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be stressful,” she assured. “Encourage them to join in, whatever their age.” She believes that stepping back and allowing youngsters to get hands-on can lead not only to happier helpers but also a richer family experience.
According to the survey, parents see cooking as an opportunity to nurture both creativity and self-assurance in their children. Yet, some barriers remain, with many families reporting busy schedules and concerns about the mess as major hurdles. Williams suggests overcoming these worries by allocating a specific area of the kitchen for child-led cooking sessions, and employing pragmatic solutions such as sturdy tablecloths to ease the post-cooking clean up.
To keep children engaged, Williams advocates making the experience fun and dynamic. She recommends regular breaks, themed cooking sessions, and even curating an upbeat playlist to add a soundtrack to the culinary process. “Letting children pick a theme—Mexican night or maybe Italian—makes the experience more immersive and exciting,” she notes.
In a joint effort with Herta, Williams developed a playful hot dog recipe incorporating hidden vegetable ‘ketchup’ and crisp carrot toppings, illustrating that nutritious food can be fun and accessible. She also encourages parents not to be swayed by social media trends for perfectly plated ‘food art’, suggesting that simple, family favourites like hot dogs and pizzas offer the ideal starting point for family cooking evenings.
Parents across the country are finding inventive ways to encourage participation, such as appointing their child as ‘head chef’ for the night or letting them choose the dinner menu. Themed family nights—like ‘Taco Tuesday’ or breakfast-for-dinner events—are proving popular in bringing energy and novelty to dinnertime routines.
Dr Angharad Rudkin, an expert child psychologist, underlines the lasting impact that early involvement in cooking can have on children’s development. “Learning to cook from an early age allows children to feel capable, grown-up, and encourages a positive lifelong relationship with food,” she explains. She adds that the skills and confidence gained in the kitchen can have far-reaching benefits both at home and beyond.
According to the research, almost two-thirds of parents say they enjoy cooking with their children, valuing the togetherness and shared learning. Gemma Serdet, senior brand manager for Herta, echoes these sentiments: “Encouraging children to help in the kitchen is not only enjoyable but also enormously beneficial for their development.”
Williams’ practical tips for cooking with kids include designating them as ‘head chef’, preparing ingredients in advance for easy assembly, picking uncomplicated recipes, and providing child-friendly utensils to foster independence. Most importantly, she emphasises the need to manage expectations; understanding that a messy kitchen is par for the course makes the process more relaxed and enjoyable for all.
Ultimately, Williams and experts agree: by welcoming children into the kitchen and embracing the happy chaos that accompanies it, families can nourish more than just their appetites—they can also feed curiosity, creativity, and connection.