Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. But for parents and caregivers, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety, especially if you have young children. Here is How to Make Thanksgiving Fun for Kids And Parents

Mealtimes can be a particular challenge, as kids are often overstimulated and tired by the end of the day. This can lead to meltdowns, tantrums, and other undesirable behaviors.

But don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to help ensure that Thanksgiving dinner is a happy and enjoyable experience for everyone, including your little people.

1. Don’t Miss Nap Time!

It might seem obvious now, but naps are essential for well-rested and happy kids, especially on busy holidays like Thanksgiving. When we travel to another house or get busy cooking in our own house, it can be easy to forget about nap time. But it’s important to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss out.

If you’re visiting someone else’s house for Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to bring a pack-and-play, baby carrier, or even your child’s favorite stuffed animal. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure in a new environment, and make them more likely to sleep.

Here are some additional tips for making sure your child gets a good nap on Thanksgiving:

• Stick to their regular nap schedule.
• Create a relaxing nap environment.
• Put your child down for a nap before they’re overtired.
• If your child doesn’t fall asleep right away, don’t force it.

A well-rested child is a happy child. And a happy child is more likely to be cooperative and enjoyable to be around, especially on busy holidays like Thanksgiving.

2. Let Them Help

I love the idea of having the kids help make at least one dish for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a great way to get them involved in the holiday and to teach them some basic cooking skills. It can also help them to be more willing to try new foods, knowing that they had a hand in preparing them.

Even young children can help with some tasks, such as stirring ingredients, measuring out dry ingredients, and decorating cookies. For older kids, you can give them more challenging tasks, such as chopping vegetables, assembling dishes, and operating kitchen appliances.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are many resources available online and in cookbooks. You can also ask your friends and family for their favorite kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes.

Here are some additional tips for getting your kids involved in Thanksgiving dinner preparation:

• Make it fun. Put on some music, dance around the kitchen, and let your kids get messy.
• Be patient. It may take your kids longer to do things than they would if you were doing them yourself. But that’s okay. The important thing is that they’re having fun and learning.
• Let them make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning. Just laugh it off and keep going.
• Give them praise. Be sure to tell your kids how much you appreciate their help. And let them know that their dish is the best one on the table!

By involving your kids in Thanksgiving dinner preparation, you’re creating a tradition that they’ll cherish for years to come.

3. Have A Fun Table Activity

Sometimes dinner can take a while to finish up, or just the process of dishing the food can take some time. If you have young children, this can be a challenge, as they may get impatient and restless. It’s a good idea to have a few activities on hand to keep them occupied while they wait.

One simple and easy activity is dice. Dice are a great way for kids to practice counting, adding, multiplying, and racing each other. You can also play simple board games with dice, such as Snakes and Ladders or Ludo.

Another great activity is coloring. Coloring tablecloths are a fun and creative way for kids to express themselves. They’re also a great way to keep hands and brains busy while you’re putting the finishing touches on dinner.

• Play card games. There are many simple card games that kids of all ages can enjoy, such as Go Fish, Old Maid, and Crazy Eights.
• Tell stories. Take turns telling each other stories, or read a book together.
• Sing songs. Sing along to your favorite songs, or make up your own.
• Play dress-up. Let your kids dress up in costumes or pretend to be their favorite characters.
• Play hide-and-seek. If you’re at home, play a game of hide-and-seek.
• Do puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep kids’ minds active.
• Play board games. There are many different board games that kids can enjoy, such as Monopoly, Clue, and Life.

No matter what activities you choose, make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and interests. And most importantly, have fun!

4. Ask Kids To Help Plan The Meal

My kids don’t like ham or turkey, and honestly, neither do I. But that’s okay! Thanksgiving is about being with loved ones and enjoying a meal together, not about forcing ourselves to eat foods that we don’t like.

That’s why I love that we can each bring a dish to Thanksgiving dinner that we know we and our family will enjoy. My oldest loves to bring deviled eggs, and sometimes he can be persuaded to make them. My younger kids would gladly live off chicken nuggets, so I don’t mind stopping for some McDonald’s nuggets on the way to Grandpa’s house if it means they will eat more than carbs and sugar for dinner. And I prefer stuffing made a certain way, so I signed up to bring it.

I think it’s important to be flexible and understanding when it comes to food, especially with kids. Kids are more likely to try new foods if they’re not being forced to eat them. And they’re more likely to enjoy a meal if they’re eating something they actually like.

So if your kids don’t like ham or turkey, don’t make them eat it. Instead, talk to them about foods they do like and make sure to bring those foods to Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone has different food quirks, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

5. B.Y.O.H. or Bring Your Own Highchair

When packing for Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s house, don’t forget to bring the things you would normally use when eating at home. This will help your kids feel more comfortable and relaxed, and it will make your life easier too.

If you have a small child who needs a high chair, consider bringing a small portable one instead of your giant one. This will be easier to transport and set up in a new environment. You may also want to bring your own dishes and cups, especially if your kids are used to using certain utensils or have picky eating habits.

If you have created a routine around mealtimes at home, try to continue that routine at Thanksgiving. This will help your kids know what to expect and make the transition to a new environment easier. For example, if you always sing a song before dinner at home, do the same thing at Grandma’s house.

The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the holiday with your family. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the people we love, and that includes our kids.

6. Keep Traditions And Start New Ones

Involve your kids in planning and preparing the Thanksgiving meal. Let them choose a dish to help make, or have them help you set the table or decorate. This will help them feel involved in the holiday and make it more meaningful for them.

Start new Thanksgiving traditions with your kids. This could be anything from making a Thanksgiving handprint craft to having a thankful ceremony before dinner. Choose activities that your kids will enjoy and that will help them learn about the holiday and the importance of gratitude.

Spend time with your kids on Thanksgiving Day. Play games, go for a walk, or just cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie. This is a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Talk to your kids about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Explain to them why it’s important to be grateful for the things we have in our lives. You can also share stories about your own Thanksgiving traditions from when you were a kid.

You can create Thanksgiving traditions with your kids that will last a lifetime.

7. Make Something Familiar.

Thanksgiving dinner is a feast for the senses, with all sorts of delicious and interesting dishes to try. But for kids, it can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to have at least two familiar dishes on the table for them.

A simple bowl of mac & cheese is a great option. It’s a classic comfort food that most kids love. It’s also a good way to get them to eat their vegetables. You can add some cooked broccoli or spinach to the mac & cheese, and they’ll never even know it’s there.

8. Don’t Be Afraid To Try Something Different.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the traditional turkey and sides. If you and your family don’t like turkey, or if you’re looking for a change, don’t be afraid to switch the menu up to your family’s favorites.

Lasagna and enchiladas are both great options for a Thanksgiving feast. They’re both hearty and flavorful, and they’re sure to please everyone at the table. You can also get creative with your side dishes. Instead of mashed potatoes and stuffing, try serving roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or even pizza.

If you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving tradition, try having everyone pick a favorite food to add to the table. This is a great way to get everyone involved in the planning process and to ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The most important thing is to choose foods that everyone will enjoy. After all, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, and there’s no better way to do that than with a meal that you all love.

9. Have A Backup Plan.

Thanksgiving is a day of celebration, but it can also be a day of disaster. After all, you’re trying to cook a large meal for a lot of people, and there are a million things that could go wrong.

That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan in case of disaster. Here are a few things you can do:

• If the turkey doesn’t thaw in time: You can buy a pre-cooked turkey from the store, or you can cook a smaller protein, such as chicken or fish.
• If the dog takes off with the ham: You can order pizza or Chinese takeout.
• If a child spills the mashed potatoes: Don’t worry! Everyone makes mistakes. Just clean up the mess and move on.

The most important thing is to stay calm and not get stressed out. If you do, your kids will sense your stress and they’ll be more likely to act out.

10. Praise your kids!

Thanksgiving is a special day, but it can also be a challenging one for kids. It’s a break from their routine, there are a lot of new people and foods around, and they may be feeling overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to give them positive reinforcement throughout the day.

Positive reinforcement will help your kids feel good about themselves and motivate them to continue behaving well. It will also help to make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving?

What are some tips and tricks that help you through the day with little ones?

What are your kid’s favorite Thanksgiving Day activities or traditions?