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Thanksgiving week can feel like a marathon, with shopping, hunting for Black Friday deals, hauling out holiday decorations, and football games playing in the background, and kids already full of energy.

Amid all this, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is the reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection. It’s not about flawless food or everything going perfectly. It’s about being present.

Last year, my parents flew in from out of state and stayed with us for a few days. We didn’t rush anything. We cooked together, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. It reminded me how rare and meaningful it is to have three generations in one home, sharing time.

This year, we’re traveling to my mother-in-law’s house. Different kitchen, different decorations, different table—same goal: slow down, enjoy each other, and let gratitude guide us.

The kids are still picky eaters, and that’s okay. Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to introduce tradition through food without pressure. Because what’s Thanksgiving without at least a bite of yams or mac and cheese, even if they only taste it?

Sometimes, you create traditions unknowingly. Last year, my son helped me make hand-squeezed lemonade. It was simple and messy, but he loved it. A year later, he still talks about making it again. That’s when I realized kids cherish these small moments—they become part of the story they remember long after the holiday.

Family traditions don’t have to be elaborate or perfect. They gain strength through meaning and repetition. Kids feel grounded when they experience familiar rhythms each year: the smells, the foods, the faces around the table.

We’re not just preparing a meal or hosting guests. We’re building memories that shape how our children see family, connection, and gratitude.

When we slow down enough to notice what’s before us, gratitude grows. That’s the lasting legacy.

Dad Takeaways:

These slow moments create the family rhythm your kids will carry forward.

Betsy Blackard, PhD, describes that children develop motivation through a natural “running leap” process, taking smaller steps to build confidence before tackling bigger challenges. Clarifying this process helps adults understand that what appears to be avoidance is actually preparation, which is crucial for supporting autonomy and competence. Trusting the child’s process, staying curious, and acknowledging their small steps aligns with Self-Determination Theory and authoritative parenting research, both of which emphasize autonomy, warmth, and appropriate challenge. Validating this “running leap” helps transform self-doubt into self-trust and gives children a reliable strategy for tackling future challenges.

One of the most important things a dad can do for a family is take control of his finances. Tracking your income, spending, and investments provides peace of mind and relief, setting a strong foundation for your family’s future.

I use Monarch to stay on top of everything. It’s a game-changer for organizing finances, budgeting, and long-term planning. It’s empowered me to create a system that works for my family, and I highly recommend it.

💡 Special offer for my readers: Use my code HERE for 1 free month of Monarch.💡 (Note: I may receive a commission if you join through my link—thanks for supporting the newsletter!)

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

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