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IT might look like messy chaos, but letting children loose in the kitchen can be a recipe for happiness.
Lavington mother Melissa Berry and daughters Gabrielle, 9, and Isabelle, 7, escaped yesterday's heat by cooking up a storm.
Child behavioural experts say adult activities such as supervised cooking sessions offer children the valuable opportunity to learn, fail and succeed by themselves.
"Children don't like to be told to sit, listen and do what they are told," says Bob Perry, professor of education at Charles Sturt University.
"They like to decide things for themselves.
"It makes them feel more grown up and makes them feel in control and responsible."
Gabrielle says she's happiest in the kitchen when she's left to her own devices.
"I make dinner once a week. I can do spaghetti bolognese and nachos all by myself," she said.
Mum said it was a great idea.
"Just spending time with your kids in general is good -- walking the dog, reading," she said.
And if none of that works? "Ice-cream usually works".
