Get ready to slip into your loosest pants and stock up on your favorite drinks — Thanksgiving is here! It’s that time for family gatherings, endless food, and hopefully a bit of fun. But let’s be real: how much actual enjoyment can a parent expect when the holiday rolls around? Sure, there will be moments of joy — football games, turkey feasts, and a few glasses of something strong. Yet, your little ones will still be the picky eaters they always are. Now, instead of dismissing your cooking, they’ll be turning their noses up at Aunt Linda’s green bean casserole, potentially ruining her day. On top of that, they’re cranky from travel and disrupted sleep schedules, which means tantrums are practically guaranteed. And don’t forget the excitement bubbling up because the Elf on the Shelf is just around the corner. When you mix in the grandparents filling them up with sugary snacks, it all adds up to a day that’s just downright chaotic. Fortunately, we funny parents of Twitter have plenty to share about the unique challenges of Thanksgiving with kids.
1. They have zero interest.
Even with a grand feast laid out, your kids will insist on their favorite old snacks. Fire up the Easy Mac, Grandma! Your sweet potato pie? Yeah, they couldn’t care less.
2. Facepalm
Prepare for a side of embarrassment this holiday! If you have a little one, everyone at the table will hear about how “mommy and daddy wrestle” on Sunday mornings and lock the bedroom door. Bring extra wine, trust us.
3. It’s our little secret.
Now’s the time to exaggerate your cooking skills. Slap on a cute apron, and no one will question a thing. I speak from experience here.
4. Elastic waists are our BFFs.
Asking me to wear pants with a zipper on Thanksgiving is as rude as refusing my famous Stuffin’ Muffins. Seriously, just don’t.
5. Mommy’s thankful for vodka.
Really, kid? You’re not applying to college; just scribble “my iPad” and call it a day.
6. And wine.
Let’s be honest: we really just love wine.
7. For real.
Thanksgiving can join the list of other things that used to be fun until kids turned everything into a whine-fest. #Blessed.
8. They’re not being truthful.
Post-election dinners might come with a side of discomfort. “Enjoy” is probably too strong a word for arguing with Uncle Bob about what counts as a hate crime. Again, wine is your friend.
9. Try not to feel jealous.
Avoid envying your child-free siblings as they lounge on the couch indulging in pie while you’re busy soothing your toddler through yet another meltdown. One day you’ll relax too—like in 15 years, but it’s coming!
10. Excited for the chaos.
It’s just like our regular lives, except the food preparation takes longer, and you have an audience documenting every blunder. Truly, there’s so much to be grateful for.
11. Should’ve clarified.
Nobody actually enjoys cranberry sauce anyway, so you’re doing a service.
12. Prepare for delays.
This is mission-critical. Give Dad a heads-up so you don’t run out of data while avoiding family conversations. Happy Thanksgiving, parents!
For more insights into navigating parenthood, check out this post on surviving family gatherings. Also, if you’re considering home insemination solutions, you can find quality kits at Make a Mom. Additionally, for more information on fertility options, visit Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind for parents, filled with laughter, chaos, and a few glasses of wine. Embrace the madness and enjoy the moments — even if they come with a side of tantrums and picky eaters.
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