The Stress-Free Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving With Kids Around

Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away, and if you're hosting this year, you know how stressful planning can be. You've already planned the menu, confirmed with your guests, and finished all your grocery shopping. However, when kids are involved, this adds an extra layer to Thanksgiving preparations. After all, how are you supposed to keep them entertained while the turkey cooks?

If you're looking for a stress-free guide to hosting Thanksgiving with kids around, whether there are two or ten, we've got you covered. Continue reading for safety tips, activity ideas, and ways to stay calm before dinner is served.

Now Is the Time to Prepare

The number one key to surviving Thanksgiving prep with kids around is getting started early. On Thanksgiving Day, you're going to be greeting guests, prepping the turkey, and trying to ensure everything is ready on time. The more you can prepare the day before, the better.

This might look like getting the dishes and utensils out (especially if you're using special dishes that you save for holidays). Or, it might look like prepping some of the sides the day before, so all you have to do on Thanksgiving Day is pop them in the oven.

Don't be shy when it comes to asking for help, either. If you need someone to bring a bag of ice or a dessert, just ask. Your guests will be glad to assist in any way they can.

Did you miss something on the menu? No need to panic. Check out our various Thanksgiving recipes for appetizers, sides, and desserts you can whip up in no time.

Keep Those Kids Out of the Kitchen

When it comes to the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving Day, it's easy to forget that there are plenty of hazards that can come with cooking such a large meal. You might have specific rules around kitchen safety in your home, but when friends and cousins are running around, you can't be sure what they've learned at home.

It's a good idea to set some ground rules for kids and adults so everyone can stay safe this holiday. Here are some ideas for safety tips to remember:

• Ensure all pot handles are turned inward so no child can grab them
• Keep dishes away from the edge of the counter
• Never leave children unattended in the kitchen when the oven or burners are on
• Turn off the oven and burners as soon as you're done cooking

If you have a lot of little ones running around, it's a good idea to place a baby gate in the entryway to the kitchen. Have a designated adult watching over the kitchen as well in case a little one sneaks in. And don't forget to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case!

Entertainment, Anyone?

When kids get together, they always find a way to have fun. However, if you're looking for organized chaos, don't expect the kids to entertain themselves. Instead, set up a designated area in your home for the kids to color, make crafts, or play games.

If you have the time for something a little more involved, plan out an entire schedule of activities for the little ones to participate in before dinner. This might include a specific craft, a game of Thanksgiving charades, or an outdoor activity like cornhole.

You don't have to come up with ideas on your own. We've got a full list of Thanksgiving games for kids and adults. Some of our favorite holiday activities include:

• Baking pies together
• Playing Scrabble
• Thanksgiving coloring sheets
• Taking a nature walk

Depending on how many guests you have, you can choose to keep it simple or plan a festive afternoon for the younger guests. When all else fails, throw on a holiday movie and let the kids campout in front of the TV.

It's Time for a Breather

Hosting Thanksgiving can be an exhausting endeavor. It's important that you take care of yourself, too. Start off Thanksgiving morning with a healthy breakfast to provide you with fuel throughout the day. When you're doing any last-minute shopping, don't forget to grab your favorite wine, soda, or other beverage so you can have something to look forward to once all the food is in the oven.

Since you did the hosting, we think you should be off dish duty! So you're not left with a big mess at the end of the day, ask for help cleaning up, putting away leftovers, and loading the dishwasher before all the guests leave.

A Stress-Free Thanksgiving to Remember

Thanksgiving Day can be a wonderful time with friends and family. From starting the day off with the Macy's Day Parade to ending the day chatting with your loved ones around a fire, there are many wonderful memories to be made.

When there are little kids involved, things can feel a bit chaotic, but with the right preparation, it can be a fun and stress-free day for everyone.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com