Lunch Thanksgiving For Kids: A Guide for Parents
Hi there, readers!
Thanksgiving is that special time of year when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for all the good things in our lives. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious meal? In this article, we’ll help you plan a kid friendly lunch for Thanksgiving that the little ones will love and make your holiday gathering even more memorable.
We’ll provide you with plenty of ideas for kid-friendly dishes, as well as tips on how to make your Thanksgiving lunch a success. So whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large feast, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
The Importance of a Fun Lunch for Kids
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the kids’ table is often an afterthought. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little planning, you can create a fun and festive lunch that the kids will love. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to put some thought into your kid’s Thanksgiving lunch:
It makes the kids feel special.
Kids love to feel included in the festivities, and having their own special lunch is a great way to do that. It shows them that you care about them and that you want them to have a good time.
It keeps the kids entertained.
A fun and festive lunch will help to keep the kids entertained during the long Thanksgiving meal. This will give you and the other adults a chance to relax and enjoy your own meal.
It creates memories.
The kids’ table is often where some of the best Thanksgiving memories are made. So make sure to take some time to create a special lunch that they’ll remember for years to come.
How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Lunch
Now that you know why it’s important to put some thought into your kid’s Thanksgiving lunch, let’s talk about how to plan one. Here are a few tips:
Choose Kid-Friendly Foods.
When choosing foods for your kid’s Thanksgiving lunch, it’s important to keep their tastes in mind. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that they’re likely to enjoy. Some kid-friendly Thanksgiving lunch ideas include:
- Turkey sandwiches
- Ham sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Fruit salad
- Pumpkin pie
Make it Fun.
In addition to choosing kid-friendly foods, it’s also important to make your lunch fun. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Set up a “kids’ table” with festive decorations.
- Play Thanksgiving-themed games or activities.
- Let the kids help you prepare the food.
- Have a “Thanksgiving dance party” after lunch.
Keep it Simple.
Don’t try to do too much for your kid’s Thanksgiving lunch. The most important thing is to keep it simple and fun. Here are a few tips for keeping it simple:
- Choose dishes that are easy to prepare.
- Don’t worry about making everything perfect.
- Ask for help from other adults or older children.
Thanksgiving Lunch for Kids: A Detailed Table of Options
| Dish | Recipe/Instructions |
|---|---|
| Turkey Sandwiches | 1. Slice turkey into thin slices. 2. Spread mayonnaise on bread. 3. Top with turkey, cheese, and lettuce. 4. Serve on a plate. |
| Ham Sandwiches | 1. Slice ham into thin slices. 2. Spread mustard on bread. 3. Top with ham, cheese, and lettuce. 4. Serve on a plate. |
| Macaroni and Cheese | 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. 2. Drain macaroni and return to the pot. 3. Add butter, milk, and cheese. 4. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. 5. Serve in a bowl. |
| Mashed Potatoes | 1. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. 2. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. 3. Drain potatoes and mash with butter, milk, and salt. 4. Serve in a bowl. |
| Cornbread Stuffing | 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, combine cornbread mix, onion, celery, and sage. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, butter, and egg. 4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. 5. Pour stuffing mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. 6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. |
| Green Bean Casserole | 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and onion. 3. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. 4. Top with crispy fried onions. 5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. |
| Fruit Salad | 1. In a large bowl, combine your favorite fruits, such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. 2. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired. 3. Serve in a bowl. |
| Pumpkin Pie | 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and eggs. 3. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie crust. 4. Bake for 50 minutes, or until set. 5. Let cool completely before serving. |
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas for planning a kid-friendly Thanksgiving lunch. With a little planning, you can create a lunch that the kids will love and make your holiday gathering even more memorable.
To learn more about Thanksgiving, check out these other articles:
FAQ about Kids’ Thanksgiving Lunch
1. What kind of food can I pack for my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch?
- Sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and snacks like fruit or vegetables.
2. How can I make my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch festive?
- Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into Thanksgiving-themed shapes, like turkeys or leaves.
- Add a small dollop of cranberry sauce to the side of their plate.
- Pack a small pumpkin-shaped cookie or other Thanksgiving treat.
3. What are some healthy options for my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch?
- Whole-wheat bread or wraps, lean protein like turkey or chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat cheese.
4. How can I make my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch fun?
- Include a small toy or activity in their lunchbox, like a mini turkey pencil or a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle.
- Write a fun note or message on their lunch bag.
- Let them help you pack their lunch, so they feel more invested in it.
5. What should I avoid packing in my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch?
- Sugary drinks, processed snacks, and high-fat foods.
6. How can I keep my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch cold?
- Use an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
7. What are some tips for packing a Thanksgiving lunch for a picky eater?
- Offer a variety of options, so they can choose what they like.
- Cut food into small pieces to make it easier for them to eat.
- Pack their favorite dipping sauce or dressing.
8. How can I pack a Thanksgiving lunch for a child with allergies?
- Make sure to check the ingredients of everything you pack and avoid any foods that your child is allergic to.
- Pack separate containers for different foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Send a note to their teacher or caregiver with a list of their allergies.
9. What are some ideas for Thanksgiving-themed snacks for my kid’s lunch?
- Turkey and cheese roll-ups, pumpkin-shaped fruit salad, or popcorn balls decorated with candy corn.
10. How can I make my kid’s Thanksgiving lunch more meaningful?
- Talk to your child about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.
- Encourage them to share their lunch with a friend or someone in need.
- Give them a small token of gratitude, like a handwritten note or a small gift.