#2: Plan and Prepare Together
Figuring out what to serve, what to set up, and how to get ready can be a big Thanksgiving Day challenge. Make it a tradition for your child to help you get things going.
- Let your child help you plan the holiday menu. Maybe there's a dish that's a particular favorite that, while not a usual Turkey Day selection, can find a place on the table. Maybe she can pick which type of potato or which vegetable dish will be featured. Allow him to select the juice that the kids will drink, or a type of cookie to add to the dessert selection.
- Put your child in charge of finding Thanksgiving dinner ingredients at the supermarket. Make a word or picture list together of all the special items needed.
- Have your child write out or use pictures cut from magazines to put together a list of menu items for the feast. This can be posted by the table, or copied and distributed to guests.
- If your child's a music lover, ask him to think about what kind of tunes would be nice to play during or before dinner. Work together to make a tape or CD mix to play.
- Give your child some input on the choices you make. Which tablecloth? Napkins on the plate or beside it? Maybe some new way to arrange the silverware? Children with sensory integration issues might enjoy some heavy work, like hauling extra chairs to the table, helping put a leaf in the table, spreading out the table pad (though you'll probably want to keep them from bringing down the china.)
- For more ideas on planning for success, read Before You Throw a Holiday Party.
Next: #3: Cook Together
