Thanksgiving is such a joyous time filled with family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food! As we get excited to host our loved ones, I can’t help but dive into menu planning. But let’s be real—when you have picky little eaters, it can feel like a fun challenge! If you’re in the same boat, we’re here to share tips and creative ideas to help you navigate the Thanksgiving feast, whether you’re hosting at home or celebrating elsewhere. Let’s make this holiday a delightful experience for everyone at the table!
Empowering little helpers: Toddlers love to be involved, and giving them even the smallest job will give them a sense of accomplishment and ownership in the celebration. Whether it’s stirring a pot, setting the table, or arranging ingredients, these little tasks can make them feel included and proud of their contributions to the feast! If you’re not hosting, consider having your little one help you pick out a gift for the host or color something on a thank you note.
Mindful menu planning: Before kids came along, my menu planning focused on impressing guests, but now I’m on a mission to please both adults and little ones! For appetizers, we serve colorful veggies with hummus and a mix of simple cheddar and artisan cheeses. For sides, I’ll add a savory mac and cheese that everyone will love. For dessert, since pumpkin pie isn’t always a hit with kids, we offer vanilla ice cream for mini sundaes. We’re not reinventing the whole menu—just ensuring there’s plenty to satisfy our picky eaters!
Helping fill their plates: Thanksgiving isn’t the time to introduce a lot of new foods, so it’s best to add familiar items while offering a few new flavors to explore. Involving your child in choosing what goes on their plate can boost their chances of enjoying the meal. You can suggest fun ideas, like making mini turkey sandwiches with the rolls and turkey or using gravy as a dip for their turkey, which mimics the familiar experience of using ketchup.
And when they’re feeling extra particular, I love having Serenity Kids pouches on hand with flavors that fit right in with Thanksgiving traditions—like Free Range Turkey, Organic Squash, and Sweet Potato Spice Smoothie. These options, packed with organic veggies and proteins, offer the comforting tastes of the season in a form picky eaters can’t resist. It’s a great way to keep them happily fed while we all enjoy the holiday spirit!
Thanksgiving with kids can be a heartwarming experience filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. By involving them in planning, cooking, and creating traditions, you not only make the day more enjoyable but also foster a sense of gratitude and togetherness. Embrace the chaos and cherish the moments—after all, it’s these memories that will last a lifetime!
