Growing up in Portugal, Thanksgiving wasn't a holiday we celebrated. I was born in New York, but I spent my childhood in Portugal, and when I moved back to New York at 18, I was curious about all of it: the parade, the turkey, all the food, and the idea of everyone getting together for one big meal.
Some of the best memories come from the smallest places
And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. My parents lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, the kind of place where you walked in, found yourself a seat, and pretty much stayed there until it was time to go home. There wasn't much room to move around, but somehow we always made room for everyone. Funny how some of the best family memories come from the smallest places.
Everyone did their part
When I was growing up, helping around the house wasn't really a choice. We all had responsibilities. We knew what needed to be done, and nobody had to assign us a task or ask us to participate. You just did your part.
So when I became a mom and started hearing about the importance of letting children help, I found the whole idea interesting. Letting them help? Nobody ever asked us if we wanted to help! But parenting was changing, and I wanted to try a different approach with my girls. And I did.
Eventually, though, I found myself bringing back a little of how I had been raised. Dinner became a family routine. We set the table, we ate together, and afterward, everyone had a part in cleaning up. When my girls were little, their job was simple: clear their own plate and bring it to us. Nothing complicated. Nothing that required a big conversation. It was just what we did.
My girls are adults now, and when we're together, they still help set the table, clean up, and do their part. I don't think they even think about it anymore. Those little routines stuck.
Why small jobs matter
We sometimes think children are too young to contribute, or that it's easier to do everything ourselves. And let's face it, most of the time it is easier. But a two-year-old can carry a napkin to the table. A three-year-old can help put away the spoons. Even the littlest ones can start learning that they're part of what happens in their home.
Will it take longer? Absolutely. Will something end up on the floor? Probably. But that's okay. We're not looking for perfection. We're giving them a chance to participate.
Easy Thanksgiving jobs for little helpers
If you'd like to try it this Thanksgiving, start with one or two of these. Giving your child the same job each time helps it become part of the routine.
- Bring the napkins to the table
- Help set the table
- Help put away the spoons
- Wash the vegetables in a bowl of water
- Carry their own plate when they're finished
- Wipe the table with a damp cloth after the meal
Grateful for the little things
As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about gratitude, too. Of course, I'm grateful for my family, my daughters, our health, and all the things we're fortunate enough to have. But the older I get, the more I find myself appreciating things I probably didn't give much thought to years ago: a crowded apartment, a family meal, the sound of everyone talking at once, and those ordinary little routines that somehow become part of who we are.
Thanksgiving looks different for every family. Whatever your family celebrates, I hope you find a little time this November to enjoy being together. And maybe, the next time you're getting dinner ready, give your little one a job. It may not seem like much today, but you never know which little habits will still be there twenty years from now.
Thank you, WOW families
Before I finish, I want to say how grateful I am for all of you. Thank you for trusting us with your children, for sharing their milestones with us, for the conversations at drop-off and pickup, and for allowing us to be part of your family's everyday life. After all these years, that is something I never want to take for granted.
From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful November and a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Diane