Canning was something I just did when the kids were little. I was a stay at home mom so did everything possible to cut expenses. When they were all home I canned almost 1000 jars every year of fruit, veggies, pickles, jams you name it, I canned it. It always gave me great pride to see all of those jars in the basement for winter use. We would also get permission and take the kids out to scrabble the potatos that were left after the harvesters went through. We could always get about 500 pounds each year. It made the kids feel good knowing that they contributed. This summer I want to have my oldest GS (12) help some so that he can learn some of the basics.