On Sept. 13, kitchens across the country will get louder, messier and a lot more fun. Noodles may be dyed crazy colors, candy may sneak into sandwiches and parents will be politely told to step away from the stove. For one day, kids are in charge and the chaos is part of the plan.

National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day gives children the run of the kitchen, encouraging them to plan, cook and serve dinner. For many families, it’s equal parts comedy and learning. While the meals might not make it to Instagram, the gains in confidence, independence and family connection often last.

The results are rarely predictable. Some children turn out surprisingly polished dishes like homemade lasagna or beef chow fun , while others get a little more wild. Susan, a mom in Berkeley, Calif., who didn’

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