National Family Week is the same week as Thanksgiving so you have two good reasons to let your kids help prepare the Turkey Day feast.

Of course, you’ll have to keep youngsters away from the hot stove and sharp knives. Still, there are lots of fun, safe ways to get everyone involved.

Very young children can take the crusts off of bread for the stuffing. They can also snap the ends of green beans.

Children ages 3-5 can help pour in ingredients, and they can help stir or whisk. Have them stand at the kitchen sink to wash vegetables or let them use a hand-masher to make the mashed potatoes.

Older children can follow directions for a recipe and use cooking utensils with supervision. Let them cut, chop and peel vegetables. These older kids are also strong enough to knead dough, so let them shape and divide the rolls or biscuits.

Cooking can be a great way to get kids interested in science, math and physics, as well as the history of the holiday. Talk about the food you’re making, the measurements of the ingredients and the steps