“Once Santa arrives in Herald Square, it’s the beginning of the end,” my friend with a 3-year-old said matter-of-factly. The wrap-up of the Macy’s parade, after the balloons, marching bands, and colorful floats have passed, also marks the end of her son’s interest in Thanksgiving. She spends the rest of the day at her parents’ house figuring out how to survive Thanksgiving with a toddler while keeping him out of trouble and out of everyone’s way.
Between relatives who are like strangers, hot pots and pans, and weird green vegetables that slide around your plate, there are a lot of challenges on Thanksgiving that make navigating this holiday exhausting for moms and toddlers. But there are a few shortcuts and tricks that can make it a little easier. I think you’ll be thankful to know these 5 ways to survive Thanksgiving with a toddler.
1. Enlist help.
I went to a family reunion over the summer and my 11-year-old niece was obsessed with my cousin’s 2-year-old daughter. They played together and my niece was an expert at keeping her away from all the dangers—sharp objects, choking hazards, ledges. That was pretty much all my cousin needed to feel like she was getting a break. In safe environments like a family home with plenty of adults around, an older child who might not be ready to be a full-fledged babysitter provides a great second set of hands to help you out.
2. Bring snacks!
Snacks should not only be on the list of how to survive thanksgiving with a toddler, but really, snacks should be on a list of how to survive anything with a toddler. A toddler’s hunger is a mom’s enemy, and no one says your toddler has to starve until the host has served the big meal. Snacks make everyone happier! Knowing you’re going to a house full of food might make you leave the snacks at home, but don’t forget your kiddo’s favorites, and try to go low sugar to keep the meltdowns at bay.
3. Stick to the classics.
Similarly, no one says your toddler has to eat turkey. She doesn’t know it’s the sacrificial Thanksgiving mascot! Save the food battle for another day, and bring her favorite. Buttered noodles on Thanksgiving? Sure, if it means you don’t have to do the airplane-flying-into-the-hangar trick as people look on.
4. Take a break.
A marathon Thanksgiving Day when you arrive in the morning, eat midday, and stay through dessert and leftovers makes for a super long day for your toddler. Ask if there’s a quiet, dark room and go lie down together. He doesn’t have to sleep. Bring a blanket and a book and just spend some time decompressing. No one will blame you for escaping, and you’ll probably feel refreshed, too.
5. Nix the kids’ table.
Designating a spot as a kids’ zone is great if your kids can manage themselves, not fight, and avoid choking. There’s nothing fun about hunching over a flimsy card table to cut up your toddler’s green beans and ham. And constantly having to keep an eye on the table to make sure the food is actually going where it’s supposed to go will guarantee you won’t get to engage in any adult conversations. You’ll be more likely to enjoy a hot meal if you put your toddler at the main table with you.
Bonus tip:
Check out our favorite Thanksgiving activities for the family and print iMOM’s fall coloring pages to keep your toddler’s little hands busy. Be sure to bring extra orange, brown, and yellow crayons.
Bonus tip #2:
Have a glass of wine. The less high-strung you are, the more your kiddo and your family will enjoy the day.
The less high-strung you are, the more your kiddo and your family will enjoy the day. Click To TweetHow do you survive Thanksgiving with a toddler? What’s your go-to trick?
