- Keep it simple – Even if both you and your spouse like a Thanksgiving table over-flowing with all the possible Thanksgiving items, consider cutting back on some items or getting store-bought items. The stress you eliminate will make everyone enjoy the meal more.
- Involve the kids – There are plenty of things they can do, from baking a simple pie or setting the table. Make sure you give them plenty of credit in front of all guests for the job they’ve done.
- Pitch in – The year is 2006 and women no longer work all day in the kitchen while the guys lie on the floor waiting to be called to the table. Be proactive – volunteer for work you’ll enjoy and get into the spirit cheerfully. You’ll be happier doing a good deed without being nagged about it. And face it, you’ll have to do a bunch of stuff anyway, so you’re better off getting points for doing it on your terms.
- Create traditions if you want to create meaning – Kids thrive on traditions, even the ones they might complain about in their teen years are the ones you may see them re-creating twenty years from now in their own homes. The best traditions are ones that have meaning for the family because they relate to the family history or have taken on a history of their own over time. Don’t shy away from creating your own traditions, however. Some examples:
- A prayer said by the youngest talking member of the family.
- Allowing each child to choose a food item that is served every year.
- A prayer said by the youngest talking member of the family.
- Consider not drinking alcohol during Thanksgiving – while this might be difficult for some to imagine, you may want to give it a try if previous holiday meals were emotional or anger-filled.
5 tips for the best Thanksgiving ever
Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews
170. Understanding Emotional Influence in Parenting with Dr. Brian Des Roches
In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I talk with psychotherapist and author Dr. Brian DeRoche (Living a Trigger Free Life) about the neuroscience behind why our kids trigger us and how nervous systems influence each other through co-regulation. Brian explains “emotional influence,” the role of nonverbal cues and facial presence in creating safety, and how repeated disconnection can teach children painful emotional lessons about not mattering.
Whether you’re dealing with tantrums, feeling triggered at home, or just want to connect more deeply with your kids, this interview will give you science-backed guidance for building stronger, happier family bonds.
Check out Brian’s website at www.briandesroches.com
Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:
– GreatDad.com/coaching
– GreatDad.com/pq
– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC
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Great article! Wonder who the writer is… 😉