Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the day our nation gives thanks for our many blessings. Since your greatest gifts are probably your children, be sure to take time today to make them feel appreciated.

• First, include them in the preparation of Thanksgiving dinner. Let them help you make the stuffing, stir the gravy, or decorate and set the table. Mention how they helped you to all the relatives.

• Second, let your children pick a dish they would like to include and prepare for the big meal. Let them go with you to the market to pick out the ingredients. Be there to supervise, but allow them full access to the kitchen to prepare their masterpiece.

• Third, make the dinner itself long and pleasant. Include the children in the conversations, and don’t force them to eat Aunt Karen’s squash or to clean their plates. This is not the time to give your lectures on healthy foods or good manners.

• Fourth, take time out for a family walk or a game like Monopoly. Nothing is better for giving the day a happy feeling of togetherness and belonging. Don’t let TV sports keep you from your children; instead, get a ball game going with your family.

• Finally, Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity for making families stronger. Use it to build pleasant memories and rich traditions for your youngsters.

David Katzner is the president and founder of The National Parenting Center.