Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I think it’s good to get our kids involved in the meal prep to make them feel involved and realize the work that goes into putting together such a feast! Who can’t use a little help in the kitchen on Thanksgiving? Although we may have our traditional family recipes that require our own special handling/touch, there are many turkey tasks the kids can tackle 🙂

Here are a few ways to get your little ones involved this Thanksgiving:

If possible, let them assist with picking side dishes. Are there any new ones your family can try this year? What are the kids favorite foods? Try to incorporate some of those ingredients into the meal. Some super easy recipes that are big hit with my boys include:

Mini pumpkin pies – these small sized pies are always a big hit and super fun for the kids to make. I recommend pumpkin pie spice instead of gathering cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon in this mini pumpkin pie recipe.
Sweet potato bites – yes, they are as good as they sound. My boys love anything with marshmallows. In case your kids don’t, a sweetened cream cheese can substitute for the marshmallows this sweet potato bite recipe.
Green bean casserole – kids are more likely to eat a dish they have prepared. I like the fresh twist on this classic green bean casserole recipe. It’s healthier, and the kids eat it up.

As soon as a guest says, “Oh, that casserole smells delightful”, or “That pie looks delicious”, they’re little faces beam with pride.

In addition, having the kids contribute to the meal process beyond the cooking portion is also fun and rewarding! Here are just a few ways we can make our kids feel needed on this special day.

Setting the table – a good lesson in etiquette if they don’t know what an hors d’oeuvres fork is!
Making decorative name labels for each person – kids love crafts, and it’s really fun to have guests don their own.
Make Happy Thanksgiving cards for all guests. This is one of my favorite because nobody ever expects a Turkey Day card. Have the kids trace their hand on a piece of paper, draw some feet, then decorate. Turkeys for everyone!
Greet the guests and take the coats of the guests – old school but still nice.

Thanksgiving is a day of celebrating what we’re grateful for and feasting on the fruits of our labors with our loved ones. Letting our kids learn this by experience teaches them the real meaning of this special holiday. Getting kids involved with the meal process can help create lasting memories and a ripple effect for our kids, their kids, and maybe generations to come!

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