Celebrating Thanksgiving with Your Child

Thanksgiving is all about traditions, but that doesn't mean it has to be the same every year! If your family feels like the usual parade-dog show-football routine is getting stale, why not spice it up with some new activities? Orange County private schools have some ideas for new Thanksgiving traditions you can incorporate into your family's Turkey Day festivities this year.

Give Back
On Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be grateful for all our blessings. But this special day can also be a time to think of the blessings we can give others. There are so many ways you can give back to your community this Thanksgiving. On a small scale, you can show appreciation for those around you by leaving some homemade treats on your neighbor's doorstep. Or, you and your family can help those less fortunate by volunteering at a Thanksgiving food drive. This time of the year can be especially difficult for families who struggle to put food on the table, so giving your time or donations will go a long way towards making their holidays a little brighter.

Get Moving
If your child gets antsy when sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table for a long meal, you can try starting a new tradition that lets her burn off some of that energy before the big feast. A game of backyard football provides energetic fun for the whole family.  Or for a more challenging exercise, you and your child can participate in a Turkey Trot. These family fun runs are held the morning of Thanksgiving to give participants a chance to burn off some calories before they stuff their bellies with turkey. With a new, active tradition, your family can enjoy quality time away from the television this Thanksgiving.

Get Involved
Preparing the Thanksgiving feast is one of the most important traditions of this special day, so why should you have to do it all yourself? Let your whole family help out in the kitchen by giving each family member a dish or task to complete. Younger children can do small tasks, like mashing potatoes or sprinkling marshmallows on sweet potato pie. If your child is older, you can help her create an entire side dish or dessert. Your child will enjoy feeling responsible for her part of the meal, and you'll surely be grateful for the extra hands!

For more than 50 years, Orange County private schools have been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.