This is a good point - not all children can do things for themselves, but many can. I am actually a developmental researcher (child development) and through the years I have seen hundreds of children and many of them can do simple tasks like this. It becomes a game to them. Children even as young as 2 or 3 are quite capable of doing simple tasks such as helping to cook (e.g., gathering and adding ingredients), fold laundry, pick flowers or vegetables, etc. once they are properly given instruction on that task. When children get a bit older (like 7, 8, or 9) it is more an issue of motivation or willingness to complete a task, not intelligence or mental capacity. As adults we often do not give children the credit their little brains deserve!! Their brains are like a sponge at this young age... more then able to pick up a few simple tasks.