Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday for kids because it is not about kids. The holidays are about spending time with family, about enjoying family and traditions, and about (at least in our house) good food. Unfortunately, in this case, kids suffer.

It is usually not about planning games and entertaining kids and kids often fall to the wayside, get pushed out of the kitchen and shoved in front of the television or thrown in front of the uncles for wrestling.

So, what can you do to prevent meltdowns and boredom?

1. Keep to a routine no matter where you are. Even if you are at grandma’s and grandpa’s house five hours away (and a different time zone) stick to the same nap-times, bedtimes, and mealtimes. If relatives don’t understand the need for schedules kindly excuse yourselves to a quiet place.

2. Pack your own medications and make sure you have refills if you are traveling.

3. While adults are making dinner engage children in fun crafts like place-card holders, coloring pages that can double as place-mats, or centerpieces like this pine-cone wreath.

4. Have one adult moderate children and have them work on a skit/play like this one.

5. For movement sensitive children include activities like jumping jacks, yoga, somersaults, wall push-ups, shaking the sillies out, and even indoor obstacle courses if possible. We have a trampoline, an indoor swing, obstacle cones, tunnels, tents, etc.

6. Have a brand new movie on hand for an emergency (or a brand new game).

7. Send children on a treasure hunt for a Thanksgiving Goodie Bag.