My family always ate together, up,till we were in high school. I started helping mom well before that maybe 8 or 9 years old. I really didn’t remember anything and didn’t worry about cooking until after I left the Navy. Then I was given a cook book and would try stuff. Constantly calls to mom or dad and I started actually liking cooking. The food network really helped me expand my abilities and taste.
As far as kids today,
I made a point to always have a sit down dinner with my kids, no electronics or tv. I know several 20 somethings that do the same today. I think a meal shared with family is one of the things that makes us a society, keeps us tied together.