Thanksgiving Preparations
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For those who celebrate, Thanksgiving is not far away. For adults, a break in routine is welcome. For children, a break in routine can spark frustration and meltdowns. Here are a few tips to keep your little one feeling grounded in the midst of the holiday rush.
Keep things as familiar as possible for your child. Whether you are traveling or hosting guests, keep some things that are familiar to your child. This can be a few favorite toys or books. It can be a familiar snack or familiar food during a family feast. This can also be familiar routine times. Try to keep routines like meals and naps at the same time, no matter the other changes in routine.
Remember that your child’s behavior is not a reflection of your parenting! There is often pressure when around extended family for your little one to be on their best behavior. No one wants those comments from that aunt about their parenting practices. Take a breath and remember that you parent to support your child, not to impress distant relatives.
Give grace and courtesy lessons on food. Thanksgiving dinner is not the time to introduce a new food to your child. Conquer the green vegetables on a different day. Be proactive and offer reminders about how they can politely decline trying something. Or let them know how they can be courteous when they do try something and don’t like it. Say: “If you do not want to try a food someone offers you, you can say ‘no thank you.’” Also try: “If you try something you do not like, you can keep the food on your plate and scrape it into the trash at the end of the meal.”
Find moments to be present. Adults can get carried away by what must be done. Dinner, dishes, texting someone about the logistics of a gathering. Find moments to offer your full attention to your child.
Relax. A calm adult can make all the difference to a child who feels (and acts!) out of sorts. Find something that relaxes you and make time for it, whether it’s going for a run or taking a few moments to read a book.
