Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner while wrangling the little ones can be a bit of a challenge. Especially if you have curious toddlers who want to know what is happening in the kitchen. Here are some easy and fun ways to keep your little kids entertained on Thanksgiving:
COOKING STATION
Little ones just want to be a part of what you are doing. It's how they learn and explore. Set up a safe area with bowls and wooden spoons to let your little one "help" cook. They will feel like they are a part of your day and you will know they are a safe distance from the stove.
CRAFT AREA
Set up a small side table filled with fun things for little hands to create. Craft stores will have some pre-assembled craft kits that are easy to use. You can also print off some turkey themed coloring pages, or place mats you find on the Internet. Throw in stickers, markers and blank pages and you might not see your kids until dinner time. If your kid is able to write have them create the place cards for the dinner table.
DECORATE THE DESSERT
Give your kids some pre-baked cookies or cupcakes. Let them add the frosting and sprinkles. Of course be ready to let them sample a few before dinner. Enlist the help of an older child or dad to assist while you get your baste on in the kitchen.
GET OUTSIDE
Send the kids outside to play, go for a hike, find some natural things to create a centerpiece with or play a game of soccer or football. This will give you a little bit of peace in the house and maybe wear them out enough to sit still once dinner is served.
STORY TIME
Round up some Thanksgiving day themed books (check your local library) to create your own story time at home. Dad or a sibling would be a great reading partner.
DINNER TIME BOREDOM BUSTER
Cover your table, or the kids table, with butcher paper (you can find rolls of brown craft paper at dollar stores) and hand them the crayons. Chances are your kid is going to finish their dinner roll well before the adults finish their meals. Let them doodle on the paper or play games like tic-tac-toe, hangman, or fill in the blanks while they wait.
Hope these quick ideas give you something to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here. You can also find her musings and popular shares on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with her creative ideas and outings on Pinterest.
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