Kids Choice

Everybody is thankful, really

ADDED November 18, 2009

Part of the fun of Thanksgiving is the meal, and part of the fun of the meal is anticipating it. Most of the time, however, kids are not consulted when the Thanksgiving menu is being put together. Today we have the solution: a fun activity that you and your kids can do together that will make Thanksgiving even more special for everybody involved.

Here is what you will need for today's activity: a cookbook (and don't automatically go to one of those kid friendly cook books that are filled with recipes featuring twenty-seven toppings for graham crackers) -- try a cookbook that has a little more depth. We have a cookbook in our house called "How to Cook Everything;" it really is true to its name and it's just perfect for today's activity.

Give your kids each a post-it note on which to write their names and tell them, "We want your help. I want you to choose something that we can make together for Thanksgiving."

From there, depending your kids' ages, talk to them about what they want to eat at the special meal. Spend some time thumbing through the cookbook and talking about what they think might be good addition. (I always try to steer my kids towards vegetable dishes.) The key to this activity is spending some time together planning and cooking. We usually make the kids choose well before Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving day can be a little stressful . . . and we want the activity to be fun.

So what did my kids select this year? What did they choose to add to the meal? Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies and Pear Scones. Here is a picture of the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies -- the Pear Scones have not been made yet. I'll upload a picture when those are done.

If your kid asks for grilled cheese sandwiches or something along those lines, even that could work just fine. Fry up a few sandwiches, cut off the crusts, cut into triangles, top with toothpicks and serve them as an appetizer. Imagine how cute your child's smile will be carrying a small plate of grilled cheese sandwiches that they made and offering them to your family as an appetizer!

Not every aspect of Thanksgiving has to be traditional! As long as it's positive, pleasant, and full of thanks! (And thanks for reading this, by the way.) Don't forget to use the comment section to everybody know what your kids want to add to the meal this year!