How about having the kids put together a meal or at least help with setting the table and doing the dishes. This is a skill they can learn at an early age. Girls and boys both. It is only stressful if you whine about having to do all that work.
At least once a week I have my 4 & 6 year olds make dinner. I just stand there and tell ‘em what to do, they have a blast making it.