Thanksgiving can be a nightmare for parents of picky kids. We’re planning on sharing the day with another family this year but it almost didn’t happen.
“Well, I’m not sure if it’ll work,” my friend admitted over a text message. “I mean, my kids are so picky! I don’t want you guys to be offended.”
Um, I HAVE FOUR KIDS. And they’re ALL picky!
So it’s on.
But here’s the thing.
I’m not expecting a movie set. It won’t be a Norman Rockwell scene either.
But to keep the whole thing from going Real Housewives in a hurry, I’ve also got a few tricks up my sleeve. Here’s the plan:
1.Drive separately to have more flexibility coming and going.
Guess where I’ll be at 10am? At my friend’s house, cooking peacefully. That’s because I’m only bringing ONE minion with me. (Phoebe’s making cranberry sauce and 30-minute dinner rolls from my book “Kid Chef Junior Bakes”.) My husband can hang out with the other rascals at home until it’s time to arrive as guests. There’s no reason for all of my kids to be running around someone else’s house for an extra four hours.
Are you heading to someone’s house for the holiday? Consider taking separate cars. Show up just in time and leave when the littlest one starts to lose it.
2. Let picky eaters choose their own food.
I care SO MUCH about my kids trying new foods and about being polite about trying new foods but hear me when I say this: Holiday meals are not the time to pull out your Food Enforcement Officer badge.
Since Thanksgiving is usually served buffet style, and most of my kids are finally big enough to saunter down the line on their own I’m going to keep my expectations simple: Please pick at least three things–that aren’t dessert. Put a small amount on your plate. Eat that, then go back for a dish you loved, or to try something else. Or don’t. Just eat your favorite three things.
That’s it.
Do that and dessert is a few easy breezy bites away.
Related: DO NOT FEEL THE NEED TO EXPLAIN YOUR PARENTING CHOICES TO OLDER RELATIVES. If a phrase like “Wow, looks like Jimmy didn’t eat much! Are you sure you’re gonna let him have pie?” feels like a small electric jolt going straight down your mama spine, you’re in good company. I feel the same way.
Believe it or not, my own kids taught me the best way to let antagonizing remarks go. Pretend you’re a duck and let it roll off your back. You can even say “quack!” You guys, they aren’t wrong. It feels really good.
But if you really want to be more straightforward? Tell them your plan and hope for the best: We just want to enjoy the evening with everyone tonight so I’m not going to worry about who ate what. Want to play Clue? Because….
3. We’re bringing games.
Clue, Candy Land, Sorry, Uno, and classic card games like Go Fish and War are all HUGE HITS for my crew (ages 5-10) and super easy to play in mixed company of all ages. This is the stuff downtime was made for.
Yes, of course you could whip up a special Thanksgiving themed game or craft project but that would require more effort. Let’s start! Maybe Custom Enamel pins Canada be a good idea, enamel pins are by far the most versatile pins you can work with. The instantly recognizable combination of metal outlining your design and smooth, shiny enamel on the inside is popular with both the corporate crowd and the counter culture.I’m not gonna even suggest I’ve ever done such a thing because we all know I haven’t. Just bring games. That’s why God invented Hasbro! Playing numerous games from pg slot might easily repay you. Without any deductions, you’ll get actual money. Get paid in full based on how much money you have in your game wallet.
Holiday meals are supposed to be fun.
Keep your plans simple and those expectations as low as they go.
That’s what I’m doing anyway. Wish us all luck.
Want more ideas about winning at Thanksgiving? Here are our favorite Thanksgiving dishes to make for families with kids:
- Chocolate Acorns
- Turkey-Shaped Veggie Platter
- Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cup Pilgrim Hats
- Bread-Machine Whole Wheat Rolls with Yogurt
Leave a Reply