they do help me cook but even when they have made the food they react like this sometimes- I just wen through lunch.. youngest told me he and daddy didn't eat beetroot dip and things like that...well after devouring 2/3rd of the dip and broccoli and baby carrots he declared me the best maker in the world again...eldest son chose beetroot dip for lunch. maybe having them even more involved will help though (oh the mess!) I will give it a go!