Taking the Kids: And Making Memories by Embracing Imperfection this Thanksgiving
GET EVERYONE OUT OF THE HOUSE. If it isn't too cold, send the gang to the zoo, the local ice-skating rink, children's museum or playground. Many local museums offer special holiday activities. Check out the holiday lights displays. (Many go up Thanksgiving weekend, http://www.takingthekids.com/travel-topics/backyard-vacations/55-great-places-to-see-the-holiday-lights-in-2012/.
MAKE YOUR LITTLEST GUESTS at home. Suggest that if your houseguests are driving, as most will be this Thanksgiving, that they bring along favorite pillows, blankets, crib sheets and night lights to make little ones feel more at home. Create an informal kids' hangout area, even if it is just a portion of the living room or den with toys, a TV and a place for play.
DON'T BE SHY about setting ground rules. No teasing the dog, no disciplining anyone else's kids. Don't be shy about asking the kids to help either. Even 6-year-olds can set the table, help with cleanup or make their beds if they are staying over.
SAFETY FIRST, especially if there are preschoolers or toddlers coming. Are the electrical outlets covered? Medications stored high in a cabinet? Cleaning supplies locked up? Where is grandma's purse? Even baking ingredients such as vanilla and almond extract can be harmful to young children, as can holiday plants like mistletoe berries or poinsettias. For more safety tips, visit the National Safe Kids Campaign website at www.usa.safekids.org.
CALLING YOUNG CHEFS -- Instead of getting insulted if your young guests won't touch the dishes you've slaved over, have the ingredients for a favorite simple recipe and invite all of the children to help prepare a dish when they arrive. Even better, suggest that one of your guests with kids bring the recipe and the fixings. Others can decorate the kids' table. (All you need is a roll of butcher block for a tablecloth and washable markers.) Remember, the important thing is the conversation around the table, not what's on the plates -- or left behind when the meal is done.
LIGHTEN UP and excuse the kids when they are done eating. Buy a new holiday movie, game or children's book to entertain them while the adults are lingering at the table.
LEAVE THE EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE at the door. Remind everyone that the holidays are not the time to air long-held grievances.
When all else fails, bring out the chocolate turkeys -- and another bottle of wine. Happy Thanksgiving!
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