Our Mommyhood

By Melissa, Contributor, Confessions of a Doctor Mom (@Melissa_DrMom)

Does the thought of Thanksgiving dinner at your in-laws fill you with warm, fuzzy thoughts about spending time with family? Or, are you outright dreading this Thanksgiving holiday because it means not only packing for and traveling with a toddler, but also being on high alert the whole time in order to ensure your toddler’s safety?

Visiting a relative’s home with a toddler in tow for any extended period of time can be exhausting if that home is not toddler proofed. For the last five and half years, I’ve spent many Thanksgiving dinners unable to hold a decent conversation, playing chase the toddler and essentially not relaxing at all. You can bet once that toddler was finally conked out in bed, I was ready to dive in to my lonely glass of wine.

What can you do to lessen your anxiety, actually complete a coherent sentence and perhaps sit down and enjoy some turkey and wine? I’ve put together some Thanksgiving Dinner Tips for you in the hopes you’ll be able to enjoy some of the festivities.

Bring Safety Gear

It may seem like a hassle at first but well worth it in the end. If stairs are involved, bring one of those pressure mounted safety gates. They work and will save you the constant back and forth of having to pry your little tyke off that step yet again. Outlet covers are easy to transport and at the very least you won’t have to worry about him sticking something in there and getting electrocuted.

Rearrange Some Furniture

I’m not talking major redecorating here; just some minor tweeks to make it more kid friendly. Hopefully everyone else will be on board with this one. Pointy edged coffee table? Why not move it to an area the kids won’t be playing? I’m telling you, I’ve had my heart jump out of my chest on more than one occasion after watching my child fall and his head barely missing the edge of the table. Not fun. If furniture rearranging is not well received, offer to place one of those ever fashionable and, not at all eye sore, bumper guards around said coffee table.

Place Choking Hazards Out of Reach

This goes for toys and food. Older children often have toys that can be dangerous for children under three. Enlist the older children to help place tiny choking hazards out of reach. Those tiny Legos and marbles need to be put away. Also, be sure those hard candies, flavored popcorn and peanuts stay out of reach as well. While they may be popular appetizers at parties, these can be downright dangerous for toddlers.

Is There a Pool in the Backyard?

If there is, it should be properly fenced in and childproofed. If not, I would seriously consider not going. I’m not kidding; parties can be chaotic, it’s easy to lose track of a toddler, even for a minute. If that pool isn’t fenced in, I would not risk it. I’ve been to parties where there were pools in the backyard and not fenced in. I did not enjoy myself at all because I was glued to my child, worrying the whole time. Seriously, I have nightmares about this.

Toddlers and Dogs Don’t Mix

If your child knows this dog and the dog knows your child and is good around children then you may be just fine. However, even dogs accustomed to children can be pushed to the limit with a toddler constantly in their face. And, believe me; they will be. Better to be safe than sorry. My son was bit by a dog proclaimed to be “nice” by his owner and I was told to just “relax and have a drink”. My glass barely touched my lips when I heard the screams, just when I let my guard down.

Play Tag Team

Enlist your husband’s or significant other’s help. Be specific; unfortunately, this may need to be spelled out for them. My husband was slow on the uptake with child number 1, but now he knows better. It may mean eating in shifts, but at least you both get to enjoy some dinner and conversation.

*Side note to husband: If you catch sight of your lovely wife in the middle of her toddler wrangling and you blissfully assume she his looking lovingly into your eyes; you’re wrong. She is glaring at you, wondering when you’re going to take the hint, put down that drink, and realize it’s your turn to play chase the toddler.*

These tips may seem a bit cumbersome but I believe with a little preparation upfront, you will be able to enjoy a more peaceful and safe Thanksgiving Dinner. It sure beats having to wrap your little tyke up in bubble wrap and strapping him to your hip.

Do you have any safety tips or stories to share about toddlers and Thanksgiving? Come share them in the forum!

Melissa is a pediatrician on hiatus, taking care of two rambunctious children who are her on the job training in more ways than one. She is a wife, mother, blogger, writer, and coffee lover in no particular order. She is (mostly) enjoying this journey through Motherhood and all the laughter and tears that comes along with it. You can read more from Melissa at Confessions of a Dr. Mom

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