Ways Kids Can Help Prepare for a Family Gathering

Before a big event or family gathering, there’s much to do! My kids often ask, “How can we help?” because they want to participate, too. Everyone is important in a family and community — including the kids! Finding ways to include your kids in the event can make it more meaningful for everyone.

In an episode of “Work It Out Wombats,” the entire neighborhood celebrates Harvest Day together. Before the feast, Malik, Zeke, and Zadie help pick ripe vegetables, cook the stew, play games, and say what they are thankful for. When children can help, they share the responsibility and the fun.

Check out these fun ways your kids can help prepare for your next gathering!

Pick out what to wear. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, one way your kids can prepare is by picking out what clothes to wear before the big day. Talk through the occasion and let them know if there are colors or types of clothing that are most appropriate. Maybe that means picking out a fancy outfit for a wedding or a warm hat for an outdoor winter festival. Sometimes, it helps to give children two choices when making a decision. For example, you can ask, "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one?" As Daniel Tiger sings, “Think about what you’re going to do, and pick the clothes that are right for you.”

Decorate with art. Before Thanksgiving dinner, my nieces and nephews decorate the table by creating place cards, making menu labels, and designing placemats. It makes the table more festive, but it also gives everyone in the family a job and a way to help. When planning a special event, brainstorm simple crafts your child can create with paper and crayons.

Talk about what you’ll do. As the song says, “When we do something new, let’s talk about what we’ll do.” Even if you’ve done an event like this in the past, it might feel new to your child. Before the family gathering, remind your child who will be there and what the expectations are during your time together. Maybe that means using manners by saying “please” and “thank you” or sharing their toys with relatives.

Count down the days. When you’re preparing for an event, it’s exciting! Make a paper chain to give your child a visual reminder of how long it is until the next get-together. For older kids, write out a to-do list with something they can do to get ready each day, just like Molly does in Molly’s Big Gathering Game as she packs her bag, practices for the talent show, and creates decorations.

Invite guests. Are you hosting the party or gathering? Ask your children who should be invited! Make a list of the family members or friends who should come. Then, let them help with the invitations by making cards, sending audio messages to relatives, or asking people in person. In an episode of “Nature Cat,” they throw a party to cheer up Squeeks from the winter blues and search the forest for other animals to invite.

Arrange the space. Different gatherings, parties, and holidays use different decorations, music, and food to communicate the theme. Talk about how to prepare your space when hosting, and ask your child for ideas. This might include cleaning up before decorating! If you’re guests, point out to your child how the host has worked hard to prepare the party. The Party at Alma’s game lets you choose how to decorate and prepare her home for four different types of parties.

Gather up games. If your event spans several hours, playing games is a perfect way to spend time together. Get inspired by the creative challenges in the Pinkamazing Family Game! Ask your child to decide on some fun games to offer to play during the gathering.

Prepare the food. For many gatherings, food is a big part! Ask your child to help with simple steps in making a dish to share. They can gather ingredients, stir the mixing bowl, or help chop salad ingredients with kid-safe kitchen tools. Have them practice following directions and taking orders with the Sesame Street Super Salad Diner game.

Practice for a performance. Growing up, my cousins and I would take turns singing songs or playing our instruments at holiday gatherings. In an episode of “Alma’s Way,” Eddie and Alma decide to surprise Tía Gloria and Uncle Nestor by performing “Their Song” to celebrate an anniversary. Encourage your child to prepare a song, dance, or puppet show to perform at the next family gathering.