Totally get the thing about them handling ingredients better. My youngest used to just smush everything, but last week she peeled a whole bag of carrots without breaking one. It was weirdly satisfying to watch.
My nephew is seven and I always thought he was too clumsy to help in the kitchen. After reading @reesemiller's post, I let him try peeling potatoes last night. He did three of them perfectly, no cuts or bruises. I guess I was the one being clumsy about it, always taking over. It's pretty cool to see them get the hang of it when you finally step back.