How to Make Thanksgiving More Inclusive for Your Loved Ones
Thanksgiving is a time that is loved and revered by Americans across the country. To some, Thanksgiving is seen as a time of enjoying great food. Maybe to others, Thanksgiving is celebrated by getting together and watching the big game. But to all those groups, Thanksgiving is a time that is dedicated to loving your family and friends and spending the whole day (or days) with them.
Thanksgiving is a time that can be stressful, so it is important to think and be mindful of how to make your Thanksgiving inclusive for your child, or friend, that has a disability.
Here is how to make Thanksgiving more inclusive:
- Be respectful of your child’s preferences. Listen to his or her preferences and consider them when talking about food, activities, etc. Respect their boundaries as well, including hugging or any physical contact. Give your child the space they need to have a great Thanksgiving.
- If they need to take a moment away, let them. Create a designated quiet space where they can spend a few minutes away from the holiday activities. Taking some time can help alleviate stress, so create a space where your child will love.
- Be clear about the expectations you set for them. Explain the plan of the holiday to your child so you can create expectations for them, including activities, who will be there, where it will be held, etc.
- Provide sensory toys for your children. Sensory toys can be headphones, fidget toys, slime, playdough, etc.
Here are some easy crafts that can help make the day fun for you and your family!
Arts and Crafts for you and your child to try:
- Sensory activities – slime, playdough, fidget toys, etc.
- What are you thankful for Jar – Thanksgiving craft activity for kids with special needs that focus on showing what they are thankful for, by using tactile materials to craft a turkey and then writing what they are thankful for and putting it in the jar.
- Tree of Thanks – This Thanksgiving activity allows students with disabilities to express their gratitude by creating a craft tree and writing the things they are thankful for on the leaves.
- Tactile Turkeys – Designed to help students with disabilities practice with fine motor skills and tactile discrimination by creating a turkey using tactile materials.
- Funny Thanksgiving Photo Ops – Order photo props to help give some unique and fun thanksgiving pictures.
- Thanksgiving Sensory Bins – Bins filled with thanksgiving-themed items (dried corn kernels, small pumpkins, etc.)
- Cookie or cupcake decorating – Bake some good cookies or delicious cupcakes and create some fun unique turkey art.
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the people that you love the most. By using these tips and by maybe even trying out a few crafts, we at Camp Aldersgate hope that you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!
