Feeling crazed? Try putting your kids in charge. (Seriously.)

Wendy Lamb’s daughter had taken on new cooking responsibilities since the stay-at-home orders began. As a result, the nine-year-old had become a smoothie-making master.

Then the explosion happened. Partially blended frozen fruit ended up all over the kitchen counters and floor. “She always knows to make sure the top of the blender is in place,” says the West Hurley, New York, mom. “But I guess she didn’t double check the base of the blender this time.”

Children are bored, and parents are busier than ever. No wonder kids are taking on more responsibilities in the kitchen and beyond. And according to Claire Lerner, a child development specialist based in Washington, D.C., it’s something that children often want—if parents will let them.