I love having my kiddo helping me in the kitchen. We communicate very well, and he loves asking questions when I'm doing X, Y, Z, what purpose it serves, how to make it more efficient, etc. I love his curiosity, and I enjoy answering his questions. Once or twice a week, we'll make a recipe at his own suggestion, too.
In Japan, it's become practice for an older businessman to adopt young men (even in their thirties) as a legal heir, to ensure that ownership of the business is kept within his family line.
Max requested fried chicken for dinner, so that's what we made. I whipped up some homemade pickles and ranch dressing, and we got some buns from a local bakery.
The dissection itself was never an issue for me, but the smell of the embalming fluid always made me dizzy. Max's science class does "virtual" dissection, using computer programs. It's more humane, and not so icky for any kids who may be squeamish.