· By Elizabeth Muncey
How to Help Kids Stay Calm and Grateful During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of connection and gratitude — but for many families, especially those with neurodiverse children, it can feel more overwhelming than peaceful.
Changes in routine, new foods, and busy environments can trigger stress or meltdowns.
At Calm Solutions, we believe calm holidays don’t happen by accident — they’re created through structure, visuals, and connection. 🌿
Here’s how you can help your child stay regulated, calm, and truly thankful this season.
🦃 1. Keep a Gentle Routine (Even When the Day Changes)
Holiday routines don’t have to disappear — just adapt them.
Keep consistent mealtimes, rest periods, and bedtime rituals.
Even small anchors give kids a sense of safety when everything else feels new.
💡 Try this: Create a Thanksgiving visual schedule with icons for “family time,” “meal,” and “quiet break.” It helps kids see what’s happening instead of guessing.
🌸 2. Prepare with Predictable Previews
Talk through what the day will look like ahead of time.
Show pictures of where you’re going or who you’ll see.
For ADHD and autistic kids, knowing what’s next is calming and empowering.
🌿 Example:
“After breakfast, we’ll drive to Grandma’s. We’ll have turkey, and then you can take a break in the calm space.”
It’s simple, visual, and prevents surprises from becoming stress.
💛 3. Create a Calm Space Wherever You Go
Whether at home or visiting family, set up a small calm corner — a place to recharge when the day feels big.
Use cozy textures, headphones, or a small basket of calm tools.
🧠 Pro Tip: Laminate calm choice cards and attach them with Velcro dots so kids can choose what helps them feel better — breathing, drawing, or reading.
🍂 4. Make Gratitude Interactive
Gratitude is powerful, but kids often need a visual way to express it.
Instead of long conversations, try “I’m Thankful For…” cards or a Gratitude Tree where kids can draw or write one thing they love.
💛 You’ll find ready-to-print cards in the Thanksgiving Calm & Gratitude Kit — perfect for families and classrooms.
🌿 5. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Calm doesn’t mean quiet — it means connected.
Skip the pressure to have a perfect day, and instead notice the small moments of joy.
A smile, a shared breath, a calm reset — those are the memories that last.
✨ Closing:
This Thanksgiving, your calm will set the tone.
By preparing with structure, visuals, and empathy, you’re helping your child learn not just to cope — but to connect and thrive.
If you’d like support, download the Holiday Calm Survival Guide for free and get exclusive early access to the Thanksgiving Calm & Gratitude Kit — filled with visual schedules, calm strategies, and gratitude activities that make the season peaceful and joyful.