Thanksgiving day without children can be hectic between travel time, visiting family, cooking and cleaning.? Add a seven, four and two year old to the mix and it can feel overwhelming.? Here are a few ideas to help with the day.
- Do what you can ahead ? This may be baking desserts, making and freezing side dishes the days before or really cleaning the house over the weekend.
- Hire out what you can ? I cheat.? Each year I have at least one store bought dessert and side dish that I may claim as my own.? Not a luxury I have often, but occasionally we have a housecleaning service before the holidays and out of town guests.
- Keep children busy during prep ? If you have an extra adult who is available outside the kitchen have them lead a nature walk or help children to browse toy catalogs to cut and paste a Holiday wish list.? If they are really gung-ho, provide a pre-formed ginger bread house with frosting and decorations (left over halloween candy in my house) for the children to make a centerpiece.
- OR Involve them during prep ? If they are old enough, include them in the preparations.? Children can color placemats, write menus, butter vegetables, knead pie crust, take drink orders and set tables.
- Stick to normal routines ? This means mealtimes and naps as much as you can.? This can go along way towards a pleasant day for all.
- Include kid-friendly food ? I tend to think traditional Thanksgiving food is preety kid-friendly.? Still, it doesn?t hurt to be sure there will be mashed potatoes or mac and cheese if it?s a favorite.
- Use contribution during the meal ? Children love to help.? Encourage them to butter rolls, carry plates or refold napkins as needed.
- Discipline in private ? To provide a pleasant mealtime for all, step away from the table for discipline.
- Set expectations a bit lower ? Remember they are children. It can be a challenging day particularly if they?ve travelled and are not sleeping in their own room or sharing their room with a cousin.
Like this:
Be the first to like this.
Source: http://parentingbydrrene.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/thanksgiving-day-parenting-tips-2/
divine mercy chaplet albert pujols the shining mariano rivera mariano rivera jobs report tiger woods masters 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.