5 Thanksgiving Traditions to Start with Children and Teens

First published November 2016
Updated November 2025

Thanksgiving is about food, family and gratitude but it’s also a great time to build family traditions that strengthen connection and teach positive skills. Here are five ways to make this holiday meaningful for children and teens.

1. Cook Together

Invite your child or teen to help in the kitchen. Let younger kids stir, mix, or taste-test, and give older ones a recipe of their own to try. When children help prepare food, they learn responsibility and teamwork while building confidence. It also helps them appreciate the effort that goes into family meals.

2. Start the Day with Gratitude

Before the day gets busy, take a few minutes to share one thing each person is thankful for. You can write them on slips of paper and put them in a “gratitude jar” to read together at dinner. This builds emotional awareness and positive thinking.

3. Make a Simple Craft

Create together. Decorate the table, make name cards, or design a family “thankful tree.” Crafting helps kids express creativity and gives everyone a chance to slow down and talk while working together.

4. Get Active as a Family

After the meal, play a game of touch football, kickball, or a nature scavenger hunt. Physical activity improves mood and helps everyone burn off energy in a positive way.

5. Reflect and Record

End the day by talking about what went well and what made everyone feel good. Write it down or take a family selfie to remember it. Over time, this tradition builds connection, gratitude, and memories that last far beyond the holiday.

The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) provides free parenting support in twelve Ohio counties, helping parents and caregivers of children up to 12 years old new ideas and a chance to meet other parents.