As parents, we’ve all had those stressful moments when we stop and wonder, How did mom do this with us when we were growing up?
Between screaming, crying, squirming, messy, bored and tired kids, here are some ways to keep them entertained this holiday, whether that means helping out in the kitchen or getting out of the house:
- Ask for input when deciding on holiday meals. Kids are picky eaters. Fact. By taking them with you when you go shopping for holiday meal items, ask them for their input and make something a little special for them to avoid a temper tantrum later. You can also have them help with several steps of the meal preparation, depending on their ages.
- Make fun holiday treats. Check out this list of 24 from Buzzfeed. With classics like frosted sugar cookies in the shape of a tree, or something nontraditional like snowman truffles, your kids will be kept busy for at least a couple hours.
- Do fun holiday crafts. Making table decorations, including paper napkin rings and place cards, can be a great way to keep kids busy on Thanksgiving. Looking for cheap Christmas tree ornaments? Why not make them yourself with your young ones? Inexpensive and a fun activity for the whole family. Parents magazine also has some great ideas perfect for the holiday season.
- Organize a game of football or other tournament. With so many brothers, uncles and grandparents hanging around, your kids can head outside to play or even just go for a walk around the neighborhood. This is also a great way to give your pet a break from the action and get some one-on-one attention from your child outside.
- See a movie. The holiday season is filled with kid-friendly and family-oriented films. Some notable ones out this year are The Peanuts Movie, The Good Dinosaur, and for the older kids, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- Track Santa. On Christmas Eve pull up Google’s Track Santa page and watch as Santa makes his way around the globe. Just make sure the kids are in bed before he makes it to your house.
There’s no shame in mentioning a trip to the bookstore or cupcake shop to Grandma because “she only gets to see them every so often” either. Chances are, she will be delighted at the prospect of a field trip as much as, if not more than, your child will.
What are your tips for surviving the holidays with young kids? Share them with us and have a happy Thanksgiving!
