Describe a skill that you think is useful for children to learn

A skill I think is extremely useful for children to learn is basic cooking. I don't mean preparing complicated dishes, but knowing how to make simple, healthy meals such as omelettes, soup, salads and pasta.

Children can learn it in a variety of ways. The easiest is at home, by helping their parents in the kitchen. Younger children can wash vegetables, stir ingredients or set the table, while older ones can chop vegetables carefully and follow simple recipes. Schools could also offer practical cooking classes, as some countries already do. Videos and children's cookbooks can add extra inspiration, but I think nothing replaces real experience.

I believe children should start from around the age of five or six, with very simple tasks under adult supervision, and then take on more responsibility as they grow. By the age of twelve, most children could be able to prepare a basic meal by themselves.

This skill is useful for several reasons. Firstly, it develops independence. A teenager who can feed themselves doesn't depend entirely on adults or on fast food. Secondly, it encourages healthy eating habits, because children who understand what goes into their food tend to choose better options. Thirdly, it builds confidence and creativity, as they enjoy seeing the result of their effort. Finally, it brings families closer together, since cooking is an excellent opportunity for conversation.

I myself only learned to cook when I moved away to study, and it was a difficult start. If I'd learned earlier, I would have saved a lot of money and burned fewer dinners.