Thanksgiving is a day to come together as a family, to eat a delicious meal and make memories while sharing beloved family traditions, right? In a perfect world, that would happen year after year without a hitch. But as any parent with young children knows, there's what you hope will happen, and then there's reality--which at a holiday gathering might include bored, tired, or overexcited children. And that is a recipe for something far less yummy than pumpkin pie. But any parent with young children might know that the best way to get through any day is to have a plan with multiple options. And that's what we've got for you here, so that you can prepare yourself with any number of activities to keep your kids involved and engaged for Thanksgiving preparations, dinner, and beyond. Cassi at Crafty Crow, thanks for the suggestions!--Diana
Everyone wants a memorable Thanksgiving Day but we'd all prefer a day filled with family and laughter and good food rather than tantrums, crying, and food fights! Here are some tips on how to include your children in this wonderful holiday and keep it running smoothly for everyone.
Always try to work with each child's strengths. The more involved each child is in the process of the day the more invested they will be in making the day a memorable one.
- Is your child chatty and outgoing? Let her be the greeter: answer the door, take coats, direct them to appetizers, ask if they would like a drink.
- Is your child artistic? Let him cut out leaves from construction paper and stick them on the walls or scatter them on the table (crayon rubbings look nice this way too) or put flowers in bud vases to place around your home.
- Does your child love music? Let them pick out some of their favorite songs to be playing in the background.
- Does your child like to cook? Let little cooks have their own apron and help with stirring or put them in charge of the timer - maybe they could make a new batch of playdough in fall colors and scented with cinnamon for everyone to enjoy or take home as a treat.
- Do you have a perfectionist on your hands? Trace or draw out a simple place setting and then let them set the table using that as a guide.
- Do they like to entertain? Let them plan a song, dance or little skit to perform.
The Children's Table
If you gather your children at a separate table for dinner, make it look just as special as the adults dinner table. The table can be covered with brown craft paper (provide crayons for coloring) and scattered fresh fall leaves. A simple centerpiece with fresh greens and faux candles along with cloth napkins and placemats will make it every bit as special as the adult's table. Instead of eating off of paper plates, purchase dishes at the thrift store to use and if they get broken it won't break your heart as well. It's also a better choice for the environment.
Before and After Dinner
Set up a craft and activity table where the kids can be directed before and after the meal. Discuss ideas with your children for games to play and simple art and craft projects to do. Surprise the kids with a new craft material like a big bag of pompoms or a large box of craft sticks - one or two items in a large quantity will hold their attention longer than multiple items in small quantities.
Don't Forget a Little Exercise!
A walk around the neighborhood or just running around the yard can help burn off any over-excitement from the day.
Make Ahead Centerpiece
I have created this Thankful Turkey to work as a centerpiece or decoration and provide a focus for the meaning of the day. Give blank feathers to everyone so they can write down something they are thankful for and then place them into the candy in the back or, alternately, let the children have the responsibility of handing out the feathers and then placing them in the candy after they have been filled out. The thankful feathers can be read out loud before the meal is served.
Thankful Turkey
Materials:
- brown cardstock (3 sheets, 8 x 10)
- yellow, red, orange cardstock (1 sheet each, 8 x 10)
- black scrap paper or black marker
- clear glass bowl
- candy corn, sunflower seeds, etc. enough to fill the bowl
- craft glue
- tape
- scissors
Directions:
- From the brown cardstock cut out a head and tail for the turkey that is in proportion to your bowl. (The head is basically an upside-down keyhole shape and the tail is in a fan shape.)
- Cut out two black eyes (or use black marker), one yellow beak, and one red wattle; glue onto the turkey's head.
- Tape the turkey head and tail onto the glass bowl as pictured; fill bowl with candy, seeds, or other similar items.
- Cut feather shapes from the brown, red, yellow, and orange cardstock - cut enough so each guest has at least three feathers.
- When the feathers have been written on, place in the bowl. They're ready to share with the group when you are!
Options:
* You can use regular paper but you may need to reinforce the feathers with a craft stick glued or taped to the back.
* Other ideas for filling the glass bowl are rice, bird seed, nuts, and M & M's but when choosing what to use remember to keep in mind allergies and choking hazards.
So how do you keep your kids occupied on Thanksgiving? Is it something you think about in advance or do you plan out things for them to do? In all honesty, I never gave much thought to what they could do while I'm busy cooking and cleaning and entertaining, but I love these ideas. My kids HATE the kid's table, but if I made it more fun, I think we grown-ups would be secretly jealous that we didn't get to sit there!