Here’s How to Make Thanksgiving Stress-Free (with the Kids Helping!)

Hi Families!

Tomorrow is the big day—Thanksgiving!

And if you’re like most moms, that means a busy kitchen, kids full of energy, timers going off, and at least one child asking,
“Is it time to eat yet?” — even though you just started cooking. 😂

But take a deep breath…

Because Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be chaotic.

With the right mindset (and a few tricks!), it can be a day full of connection, learning, and beautiful memories for the whole family!

Here’s your Thanksgiving Eve Game Plan from me to you:

🧡 1. Prepare the Kids TONIGHT

Kids behave better when they know what to expect.

Have a simple family talk after dinner:

• “Tomorrow we will cook early in the morning…”

• “Here’s how you can help…”

• “Here’s when we will relax and eat…”

Giving children structure calms their brain and reduces meltdowns.
You are setting the tone for tomorrow—peaceful, not chaotic.

🧡 2. Give Them a Real Job!

Kids feel proud when they’re trusted.

Here are responsibilities that actually help you:

• Filling water pitchers

• Washing potatoes

• Sorting ingredients

• Matching measuring cups

• Reading recipe steps out loud

• Setting napkins and forks

• Wiping surfaces as you cook

When kids feel included, they stay focused, busy, and confident.

🧡 3. Expect “Situations” — and Stay Calm

Let’s be real…

Tomorrow someone will spill something.
Someone will forget to preheat the oven.
Someone will get emotional or overstimulated.
Someone will taste-test the dessert before you’re ready.

It’s okay.
That’s family.
That’s life.

When things happen, breathe and say:
“We can fix it. It’s not a big deal.”

Because your reaction becomes their reaction.

🧡 4. Keep Kids Busy With Learning Moments

Thanksgiving is FULL of natural teaching opportunities:

• Measuring ingredients = MATH

• Reading recipes = LITERACY

• Predicting what happens when mixing = SCIENCE

• Helping clean = RESPONSIBILITY

• Setting the table = MOTOR SKILLS & ROUTINE
  
  

This is why I always say:
Parents are the first—and most powerful—teachers.

🧡 5. Make Tomorrow About Connection, Not Perfection

Burnt rolls?
Cold gravy?
Kids arguing?
Guests running late?

Years from now, nobody will remember the perfect menu.

But they will remember:

• Who laughed with them

• Who made them feel needed

• Who sat with them while they stirred the batter

• Who made them feel important

That’s what your child will carry into adulthood.

🧡 From Ms. Sharita to You

Parents, listen…

You pour so much into your kids every single day.
Tomorrow, give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy moments—messy and magical.

Thanksgiving isn’t about the table.
It’s about the people around it.

You’ve got this.

And your child is blessed to have you.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving tomorrow!🦃💛🍂

With love,

Sharita

Wife | Mom | Tutor | Coach