As most parents have experienced at some point in time or another, it is incredibly difficult to cook and entertain our children, especially toddlers who just want to be a part of the action and “help” with whatever mommy and daddy are working on. On a day like Thanksgiving, when it’s all hands on deck, time limits galore, and a million pots are on the stove – literally and figuratively – it’s not only key to our sanity to ensure that the kids are occupied, but also key to their safety.
Unfortunately, while we are busy in the kitchen, basting the turkey, making all the casseroles and different variations of potatoes that will fill us later, the parade and it’s copious amounts of Broadway acts – and seemingly less and less floats each year – and the Westminster dog show will only hold my children’s attentions for so long. It is just before noon when they start to make their way into the kitchen, asking for snacks, asking to help, asking what we are doing, when family will arrive and a million other questions.
If you haven’t already done the thankfulness tree activity, this is a great time to do so and occupy the kids. They can spend time hanging leaves of what they’re thankful for on the tree while you cook.
For the scientist in your child…
Another fun activity that will keep kids within eyesight if needed, but keep them distracted from all the busy activity in the kitchen is a Thanksgiving-themed float or sink.
Needed Supplies:
- Large plastic tub
- Water
- Thanksgiving-themed items, such as cranberries, a mini pumpkin, an apple, leaves, and a pinecone
- Traditional float or sink items, such as plastic animals, legos, and a foam stress ball
- Towels
This activity is fairly straight forward. I suggest placing a towel under the tub and then filling it with water. Have a second towel available to dry the items after they’ve been dropped into the water. Then let your kiddos go to town discovering if they items float or sink as they are dropped in. For a bit of extra mind bending, give them a whole apple and apple slices. Will one float while the other sinks? Why do they think this is?
For the artist in your child…
Several years ago, I decorated our Thanksgiving table with brown kraft paper place mats. In the corner of each place mat, I had written “I’m thankful for…” with several lines beneath. I’ve taken this idea and created cards that you can print out for the members of your family. Kids can use the morning time to color the leaves, decorate, and cover with stickers. Have them create a special one for each family member to share at dinner.
For the chef in your child…
If your child really wants to participate in the activity in the kitchen, there is nothing more helpful than making a fruit plate or veggie platter! I like to use chip and dip platters to organize my fruits and veggies. I know it wasn’t their intended purposes, but they are already organized for easy separation.
Give your kiddo the chip and dip platter and bowls of various fruits or veggies with the task of creating their very own fruit or veggie plate. Let them organize it and create it however they like. If they are responsible enough, check out this knife set perfect for little hands. They can help cut celery, carrots, strawberries, or more! The cutting and organizational aspect will keep them long occupied until your first guests arrive. Just be sure that if you have little ones who like to snack that you keep a bowl specifically that they can snack from or else there will be no more fruits or veggies for your appetizer plate!
I hope these activities will help keep your little ones busy and distracted until dinner time is served! A plus is that they can feel helpful, contributing to the dinner.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!