During Thanksgiving celebrations, do you find yourself dealing with the dilemma of kids being either too loud or too absorbed in their iPhones? Here's a remarkable solution that can bring harmony and learning to the holiday.

Unlock the Magic of Thanksgiving with Outdoor Play

Open the Door to a Happy Thanksgiving

When there are cousins around, give a watch to one of the kids and explain its significance like a portable sundial. Instruct them to return inside when the big hand reaches a specific number. Then, close the door behind them, allowing adults to enjoy the indoors while kids have a blast outdoors. This simple act can lead to a very happy holiday for everyone. 1: By opening the door and giving kids the freedom to play outside, we not only give them the opportunity to engage in physical activity but also foster their independence. They learn to navigate the outdoors, interact with nature, and develop problem-solving skills. It's a chance for them to explore and grow in a way that they might not be able to do indoors. 2: Moreover, this approach helps parents relax and enjoy the holiday without constantly worrying about their kids. They can engage in adult conversations and activities, knowing that the younger relatives are having a valuable educational experience outside. It's a win-win situation for both generations.

Reducing Over-Parenting for a Better Thanksgiving

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for parents to spend time apart from their kids. The fear of their children being in danger or falling behind often leads to excessive intervention. However, a study published in The Journal of Child Development by Yale University offers a solution. 1: The study found that when adults are told that kids learn by doing things on their own, they intervene less. This means parents stop doing tasks that kids should be doing on their own, such as tying shoes or zipping backpacks. Instead, they allow kids to take on these challenges and learn from their experiences. 2: By framing everyday tasks as "learning opportunities," parents can boost their children's independence, persistence, and resilience. It's about giving kids the space to grow and develop at their own pace, rather than constantly hovering and doing everything for them.

Research at the Children's Museum: Putting on Hockey Gear

In a fascinating study conducted at a children's museum in Philadelphia, 30 kids were tasked with putting on hockey gear. The researchers divided the parents into two groups. One group was told that putting on the gear was an opportunity to learn a life skill, while the other group was told it was a way to engage with the museum. 1: The parents in the "learning opportunity" group intervened about half as many times as the control group. This shows that simply changing the way parents perceive a task can have a significant impact on their behavior and the children's learning. 2: It highlights the importance of mindset in parenting and education. By focusing on the learning aspect, parents can encourage their kids to take on challenges and develop important skills.

Facilitating Education through Outdoor Play

As Julia Leonard, a co-author of the Yale study and an assistant professor of psychology, suggests, sitting on the couch while kids do the dishes or organize a game of tag isn't laziness. It's actually facilitating their education. 1: Allowing kids to take on these tasks on their own helps them build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. They learn valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future. 2: Thanksgiving becomes a time not only for feasting but also for growth and learning. By letting kids play outside and take on challenges, we are giving them the gift of independence and a lifelong love of learning.