Spend the time peeling potatos with them. It's good quality time, and it's teaching them a little about self-sufficiency. I firmly believe we are coming to a time in our history when those of us that can take care of ourselves will be the ones thriving, while those that depend on the government, and government mandated modified foods, are gonna be looking for a way out of that morass.
It also helps with reading (recipes), science (chemical changes with heat application), and math (fractions while measuring).
My daughter enjoys reading my cookbooks as much as I do. Last week she asked me if she could have her own account at www.recipezaar.com so that she could start a cookbook there like I have.......she'll be 9 next month :)