Let’s set the scene: It’s Thanksgiving morning and your to-do list is overwhelmingly long. You still need to get the turkey in the oven, prep what now seems like too many side dishes, set the table, and a million other things. And wait, did you remember to buy eggs? Then there’s your kids, who are lazing on the couch with their faces glued to their screens (or whining and glued to you). You’re frazzled and frantic and debating whether it’s too late to call the whole thing off.
A better idea: Call in the reinforcements, aka, your children. While it may sound like an impossible task, these clever tips will get them in the kitchen without everyone rolling their eyes (or, okay, will at least keep the eye rolling to a minimum) and will actually help you get stuff done. As a bonus, your kiddos will also have the chance to learn some of your delish T-Day traditions firsthand, so they can carry them forward. Now that’s something to be grateful for.
Put them on dry-ingredient duty
Getting your kids in the kitchen sounds cute, but the reality can be…a handful. If visions of your kids dropping eggs on the floor or dunking their hands into batter and then touching everything in sight has you second guessing their involvement, involve them in a can’t-make-a-mess part of the cooking process instead. Like putting them on dry-ingredient duty, where they’re responsible for adding the seasonings like McCormick’s time-honored Pumpkin Pie Spice, Ground Thyme and other spices, flour, and sugar. Or they could stir together nuts and cereals for your fan-favorite party mix.
Involve them in plating
Okay, so, maybe they aren’t quite ready to carve a turkey, but there are other ways to involve your kiddos in the food presentation that are useful. One idea: Have them take things from a “big jar,” like pickles and olives, and put them into prettier serving bowls or trays. If they’re doing a good job, or capable of more, level-up the assignment by asking them to arrange their hors d'oeuvres to match the day’s theme. Veggie crudité in the shape of a turkey? Totally fun—and possible!
Add a kid-created dish to the menu
If getting your grandma’s legendary mashed potatoes to come out perfectly whipped requires serious skill, ask your kid to come up with a culinary creation that they can cook on their own. This will prevent any kitchen mishaps that will end up causing you more work (oops, burned the marshmallows!) and allow you to cook one less thing. Start small, like letting them master the art of the gravy with McCormick’s Turkey Gravy</a>; when it’s time to serve the course, have your child present their speciality—Maddie’s Famous Mac and Cheese! Ben’s Best Beans!—which is sure to make everyone around the table smile.
Set them up at the sink
Mixing and baking and chopping aren’t the only parts of making a recipe. Your kiddo can lend an assist on the prep by washing lettuces, cranberries, and beans, or while scrubbing the sweet potatoes for Candied Sweet Potato Casserole. Simpler tasks like these are almost impossible to mess up and truly are helpful.
Think outside the kitchen
If your kid isn’t feeling up to serving as your sous chef, give them the option to pitch in on other important to-dos. Maybe that means they take the reins on designing place cards, adding a homemade touch to delight dinner guests. Or they could be responsible for greeting everyone as they arrive, taking their coats, showing them to the appetizer table, or asking them what they’d like to drink, so you can have a few extra minutes to slip your pies in the oven.
Lean into mini chores
Delegating smaller jobs is a great way to get kids involved without it becoming a headache for you. For example, instead of having your troop set the entire table, give them a tinier task, like folding the napkins or putting ice cubes in everyone’s water glasses.
Enlist a recipe reader
All of that shuffling back and forth between your stove and cookbook can be exhausting, so if you’ve got an older kid, have them pull up a chair and read out the instructions to you instead. Pick from either from your Grandmama’s old note card or, when it’s time to call in the expert advice, the McCormick Flavor Maker App, which lets you store recipes, get tips and more. It’s sure to save you major time!
Appoint an official clock watcher
There are pie crusts to pull out of the refrigerator in 15 minutes, dough that needs to rise for 30 minutes, and a turkey that frequently needs basting. Put your sidekick in charge of helping you keep track by handing them a timer or two to watch. Bonus: It will almost (almost!) feel like a game to them.
Embrace busy work
If you’re in need-to-get-it-done mode and have already exhausted all the above options, stretch out a simple task so it lasts longer. One of our favorite tricks: Have kiddos help set the table, but give them utensils one-by-one so the job takes up a bigger chunk of time.
For more easy, fun, delicious traditions you start with your kids this Thanksgiving, visit McCormick.
