How to Connect with Kids this Thanksgiving
Turkey and pumpkin shopping is in full swing! Thanksgiving is an American occasion that brings family and friends together to celebrate the harvest of the year. However, amid the cost-of-living crisis, the majority of family members have started working to make ends meet, which has meant less interaction with kids at home.
Let’s make this Thanksgiving a time for great bonding between yourself as parents and your young ones. Children are an integral part of any celebration at home, however, we forget to involve them in the meal planning and preparation for the festival. The activity will give them a sense of responsibility and insight into the rituals that can culminate into a strong foundation for a future family of their own. There are ways to include them in the wonderful Thanksgiving and keep them occupied:
First, let’s be grateful for a healthy family and harvest of the season
Gratitude is a word that comes naturally to us when we are thankful for the life given to us. In this period of adversity, where food prices are rising and some are struggling to pay their rent, it is important to celebrate the good things in our life. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to connect with younger ones, play gratitude quizzes and build a gratitude box for the following year.
Let them give an extra hand in decoration and setting the table
One can ask kids to place the cutlery, napkins, candles and fall-themed decorative items on the table. If your minor is a DIY lover, then encourage them to make creative cards and cornucopia crafts with fresh produce for the guests. Try and give them ideas for your vision of table decoration by showing them various photos on Instagram and Pinterest. Be sure it makes the little one feel proud and happy, and don’t forget to appreciate them!!
Allow children to have a custom dish on the menu
Allow them to choose a recipe from a list of side dishes, for example, if your munchkin is a dessert fan, then go for it . Ask them about their favourite ingredient or dessert topping. It could be fun to give your kid's names to the recipe, like ‘Jack’s Pumpkin Sugar Cookies’ or ‘Sarah’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows’, after they are done making them. Parents can make it a tradition where each dish will have the kid's name with their good habits the whole year.
Kids will host and rock the party
Train your munchkins to host the party by greeting the guests, hanging their overcoats, arranging melodious music and serving snacks on the table. Hosting a party is always a cumbersome and hands-on job. Parents always have a lot on their plate from inviting guests to shopping for ingredients and cooking a wholesome meal. You can hand some of the responsibility to your children, and the older they are, the more they can help you with.
Talent show time!
Majority of the children love to showcase their talents to their relatives and enjoy appreciation in return. It will be a great occasion for them to perform that perfect dance they learned in school, surprising family members with magic tricks, singing their heart out or cracking silly jokes until the pumpkin pie is ready.
Rashi Agarwal is a freelance journalist who has worked with Daily Express and LBC in the past. She loves to write about lifestyle, relationships, home, family, food and many other beats. You can follow her on Twitter @Rashi_2208
