Thanksgiving Reflections: The Stories Our Kids Will Remember

🧠 Why Family Time Matters (OT Lens)

This Thanksgiving, while everyone sat around the table with dishes full of yummy food and 20 conversations happening at once, I looked over and saw my little one quietly playing with a toy knife and corn on the floor—tapping it, flipping it, repeating a tiny rhythm only he understood, trying to use the knife to cut the corn in half. 

I sat down next to him and said “You got this, keep on trying”. 

He stopped, stared, then tapped again.

I said it again.

And suddenly we were locked into the simplest little back-and-forth—our own quiet version of Thanksgiving. He got through the challenge, and was able to cut the corn. We both smiled at each other. 

It lasted maybe 45 seconds, but I still think about it.

Because that moment—of slowing down, joining his world, and meeting him where he was—felt just as precious as the whole holiday.

That’s what our kids remember.

Not the big events.

The moments of presence.

From an occupational therapy standpoint, shared family experiences build foundational skills that shape everything from emotional regulation to communication to social confidence.

Here’s what’s happening under the surface when you sit together, share stories, or let your child help in the kitchen:

❤️ 

Co-Regulation

Your calm presence helps regulate your child’s nervous system—lowering stress, increasing connection, and teaching them what safe relationships feel like.

🧠 

Narrative Development

Telling family stories, recalling memories, or describing traditions supports sequencing, language, emotional processing, and self-identity.

👀 

Social Observation Skills

Holidays give kids a chance to watch facial expressions, body language, turn-taking, and conversational flow.

💪 

Heavy Work = Calm Body

Helping carry a dish, push a stool, mash potatoes, or mix batter gives your child proprioceptive input that stabilizes the body and mind.

🌱 

Belonging Shapes Development

Feeling part of family rituals—passing the turkey, sharing stories, decorating together—creates emotional security and resilience.

This is the real developmental magic of the holiday season.

🛠️ Thanksgiving Connection Routine

A simple, OT-friendly rhythm you can weave into the day:

1️⃣ Tell a “Tiny Story”

Share one small moment your child did this week that made you smile.

Kids LIGHT UP hearing stories about themselves—they learn identity, pride, and memory-building.

2️⃣ One Job for the Littles

Give them a single, real responsibility:

– Put napkins on the table

– Stir the bowl

– Carry a soft roll basket

– Place spoons on each plate

This builds competence, belonging, and motor planning.

3️⃣ Family Gratitude Call-and-Response

Say: “I’m thankful for _____ because _____.”

Let your child repeat or fill in a word.

Even babies benefit from hearing emotional language.

4️⃣ Post-Meal Wind-Down

Pile blankets on the floor and lay together.

This supports co-regulation and reduces sensory overload after a busy day.

This routine is simple, short, and deeply regulating.

💬 Last Week’s Parent Check-In Results

Last week, I asked which handwriting pattern fits your child right now.
Here’s what you shared:

✏️ 38% — Gets tired fast
These kids are working overtime with their whole arm. Totally normal before core and shoulder stability catch up.

📝 26% — Avoids writing
Not stubbornness—this usually means writing still feels hard, uncoordinated, or unpredictable in their body.

💥 22% — Presses too hard
Lots of determination, lots of effort. These kids crave proprioceptive feedback and use pressure to “feel” the movement.

🌬️ 9% — Barely presses at all
Often bright observers who need more body awareness and input to know how much force to use.

👌 5% — Doing well overall
Steady progress, working on consistency and confidence.

💬 This Week’s Parent Check-In

Tell me:

Which Thanksgiving moment does your child enjoy most?

1️⃣ Helping in the kitchen

2️⃣ Being around family

3️⃣ Quiet moments alone or with one person

4️⃣ Eating the special foods

5️⃣ The excitement + chaos of the day

👉 Hit reply with your number.

Next week, I’ll share the results (and OT tips tailored to the most common responses).

_{Disclaimer: The content in Mom on the Clock is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental, or therapeutic advice. Every child is unique—always seek the advice of your pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or developmental concern. When in doubt, trust your instincts and seek personalized guidance}