A Montassori (is that what those are called?) kitchen for kids would be nice. You know the ones kids are using now that look like toy kitchens but work? With children's knives, sinks that empty into a water jug, a real mini-fridge, and a hot plate. So kids learn to cook. And they start with babies and it goes up.
That'd be super cute. I know there's a cc kitchen for children. But they could make one for toddlers, and one for kids. Maybe it could even be the same kitchen. But I think for toddlers it would increase motor, and creativity. Maybe even make a skill that's for simple meals/snacks.
Like how there's children only skills that carry over into corroborating adult skills, motor>fitness? Or they could make it a skill like bowling or flower arranging. And it only have a very specific set of recipes that work in that area. Which means, yes an adult could do it, but so could a kid.
Like how quick meals aren't a cooking skill thing. But also don't fill you up easily. Maybe have Snack making be in-between that. And then children/teens could give food to toddlers and babies. Like baby food could be in that category, unless it's homemade baby food or something like how we make the pet food.
Same with things like a cheese roll up that you make in the microwave. Working your way up to a quesadilla on the stove, a really simple one. The toddlers could learn to make a sandwich with pb&j or meat and cheese. And when they do it, it's really messy but edible. The kids do it and they've got a pretty okay sandwich but aren't great at cutting off crusts. Teens have it down pat.
It would also work if by the time they are teens the only thing they know how to make IS simple meals/snacks and quick meals that we have already. It goes with how sims work so much better. Maybe your older sister did all the cooking while your parents worked. So the most you had to do was make a bowl of cereal, or a sandwich. Now she moved out, and you have to learn to cook. Or maybe your parents cooked, and you moved out, and have no clue. And starting out all you make is the new sm/snacks or quick meals. Because you're afraid to burn the house down. Somehow the fear of waffles ? has carried over into this universe. And your journey into the culinary arts starts with making instant ramen.
I think that'd be super cute and add a lot of gameplay, with just 1 item, and a new skill& set of recipes for that skill. And since we have cooking together from Cottage Living, that sometimes works, you could work with your child on the little kitchen. Keep them safe. And then help them over to the big kitchen once they are ready.
