Should Kids Cook For The Family? This Mother Shares Why She Encourages It
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In an Insta Reel, Daniela Cerrato says, “We let our kids cook dinner once a week. They pick the meal, make it, and serve the whole family.”
News18
All parents want their kids to have a comfortable life by going to a good school, having play dates with friends, taking part in extracurricular activities and having fun. While they do have some expectations of their kids cleaning up after themselves, putting their clothes away or just doing their homework, most good parents do not want their kids to deal with cooking a meal for the family.
But influencer and mum Daniela Cerrato, who has some educational background in child education and child psychology, thinks differently. It is often spoken about how important it is for a family to come together and share at least one meal a day as a whole unit. It encourages kids to form bonds, express their thoughts and opinions, learn about their culture and food, engage with people older than them, which gives them confidence, and helps them learn social cues without being taught. This certainly helps them integrate with society in a better way.
In a video that she posted in April this year but is currently gaining a lot of traction, the mommy influencer talks about how she encourages her two sons to cook a meal for the family once a week.
In the Reel shared on Instagram, the mum says, “We let our kids cook dinner once a week. They pick the meal, make it, and serve the whole family.”
Breaking down why she make the choice to ensure her kids learn this basic life skill, she says, “First, the excitement. They actually look forward to it. Then, the confidence. You can just see it, and there’s this sense of authority too. For that night, their opinion and likes matter, and they know it.”
The mum, who also believes in homeschooling her kids, goes on to add, “What really surprises me is that they don’t just think about themselves. They start thinking about us. They’ll pick sides we (the parents) like. Ask what we want. Make sure everyone’s good. They’re actually considering everyone at the table. Because home is the first place they learn how to take care of other people.”
On these days, Daniela Cerrato explains how her kids also look into “setting the table, passing out plates, grabbing napkins, drinks, condiments”.
“For that one meal, it’s not about them anymore. It shifts them out of that natural me mindset kids have and into thinking about others. That look on their faces when we’re eating the food they made like they did something that made everyone happy- yeah, that’s 100% worth it,” she tells her followers.
In the caption of her Instagram Reel, she breaks down how she has encouraged her kids to cook the family meals.
Step 1: Pick a Night
Same night every week = builds routine
(ex: Taco Tuesday)
Step 2: Give Structured Choice
Don’t overwhelm them—guide them:
• Pick a protein (ground beef, hot dogs, chicken)
• Pick a side (rice, chips, mac & cheese)
• Pick a fruit/veggie (avocado, fruit, salad)
This keeps it simple but still gives ownership
Step 3: Assign Roles (based on age)
• Younger: wash, mix, set table
• Older: cook meat, assemble meal, serve
Step 4: Let It Be Imperfect
This is key.
If we correct everything, they lose confidence.
We let them lead—even if it’s messy.
Step 5: They Serve Everyone
This is where the shift happens.
They start thinking beyond themselves…
plates, drinks, napkins, condiments—everyone at the table.
Home becomes their first classroom for serving others.
Daniela Cerrato also explains why inculcating this habit in her kids matters and how it can help as they grow up. However, she also add, “And honestly? The best part is watching their face when we eat what they made. That moment says everything.”
• Confidence → “I can do hard things”
• Responsibility → real-life skills, not worksheets
• Empathy → thinking about others naturally
• Independence → they don’t rely on you for everything
• Connection → shared family experience they’re proud of
About the Author
Abigail Banerji is a Senior Sub Editor with News18’s English desk. She brings 6 years of experience across both print and digital newsrooms, spanning editorial planning, reportage, copy editing, conte…Read More
