This is what I like to see

Please tell me I am not the only one with a kitchen that can look like this after a day of cooking and church! The children think it is novel to wash dishes, and actually do a reasonable job, if you can tolerate the water splashing everywhere. So tonight, for the second time, we let them help out. It didn't last long, I got tired of the water and sent them to bed, but they sure were cute eager helpers.
Also, our food storage is coming in handy for step-stools, and have even doubled as children's chairs when we had company over. There really is value in being prepared!