~I think the children should find the mushrooms all by themselves, and gain farming experience from it. Maybe after you show them how ___ many times (just like farming for adults) But that they shouldn't find the collectables alone. Since you get tech points from the duplicates, it should take a little work!
~I like the idea of them being able to gather herbs and storing them....that would be pretty cool. Who knows...maybe you'd be able to use the extra spices as currency...to buy clothing, or medicine for the sick....or higher education (be able to purchase getting your ability a little quicker)
~Being able to build an outhouse would be pretty cool. Maybe even able to build 2 or 3....maybe disease/sickness would spread quicker if you had too many people per outhouse.
~Being able to clean....houses need to be cleaned, the outhouse would need to be cleaned....it could be another job people could have!
But I love the game just as it is and will keep playing!! :-D