10 Tips to Keep Kids Seated at the Holiday Table
The holidays are a time for family, celebration, and good food, but keeping young children engaged and seated at the dinner table can be tricky. Whether you're hosting at home or visiting family and friends, mealtimes with little ones can be unpredictable. From involving them in the meal preparation to creating a space just for them, there are many ways to keep your child engaged and seated during dinner. Activities like coloring, stickers, or simple games can provide entertainment while encouraging participation in the meal.
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1. Get Them Involved in the Kitchen
Before dinner, let your child help with age-appropriate tasks like stirring, decorating, or setting the table. Kids are more invested in meals they’ve helped create, and this builds excitement around the meal. They’ll be more likely to stay at the table and enjoy the food they had a hand in making.
Read our blog post Getting Kids in the Kitchen: An Interview with our Snack Coordinator for tips and tricks on how to successfully include your child in the holiday preparations.
2. Get Them Moving Beforehand
Allow children to run around or play outside before sitting down for dinner. Physical activity helps them release energy, making it easier for them to stay still and focused at the table. A quick burst of outdoor play can set the stage for a more peaceful mealtime.
3. Create a Kids' Table
In our classroom, as per the Montessori Philosophy, the environment is carefully prepared to support a child's independence and ability to engage meaningfully with their surroundings. The same concept applies when setting up a dinner table for children. By providing child-sized furniture and utensils, you create a space where children feel capable and in control, encouraging them to stay seated and participate in the meal.
“Nothing is gained by mere imitation or forced obedience; there must be inner preparation by which obedience becomes possible, and such preparation is indirect. Very clearly stands out the necessity for a prepared environment for children, and freedom wherein the soul can expand its powers.”
By thoughtfully preparing a child-centered space at the table, you allow children to feel empowered to engage and take ownership of the experience, just as they would in a Montessori classroom.
4. Coloring Tablecloth with Crayons or Markers
Transform the table into a creative space with a coloring tablecloth. Let kids get creative with crayons or markers while staying seated. For younger children, try larger, triangular crayons that are easier to hold and less likely to break.
Buy on Amazon: Disposable Holiday Themed Coloring Tablecloth , Triangular Crayons, Starter Palm Grip Crayons
5. Stickers for Creativity
Stickers are a simple and inexpensive way to keep children entertained. You can get holiday-themed stickers and let kids decorate their paper with stickers and crayons. Younger kids will love the simple task of sticking them on paper, while older children can turn it into a full art project.
Buy on Amazon: Holiday Puffy Stickers
6. Coloring Books or Pages
Bring out some holiday-themed coloring books or print out pages from the internet. Coloring is a great way to keep children occupied and calm, allowing them to take breaks from the conversation and relax while still staying engaged.
Check these out: Free Crayola Holiday inspired Coloring Pages
7. Pass the Drawing
A fun and interactive activity, Pass the Drawing allows everyone to add to a picture. Each person draws for a minute, then passes the paper around the table. It’s an easy way to keep kids involved and spark some creativity.
8. Simple, Age-Appropriate Games
Games like Go Fish, Spot it, or Tic Tac Toe are perfect for short bursts of fun. These games help kids focus, stay entertained, and interact with others, all while not requiring much space or preparation.
Buy on Amazon:
BenBen Go Fish Card Came for Kids
Zygomatic Spot It! Disney Card Game
9. Holiday-Themed I Spy
Create a holiday version of I Spy by hiding themed items around the room or on the table. This keeps children actively engaged and gives them something fun to focus on during the meal.
10. Magnetic Tiles or Magnetic Blocks
Set up magnetic tiles or magnetic blocks for hands-on fun. Kids can build structures, create shapes, or just play with the pieces, all while staying seated and calm.
Buy on Amazon:
CreateOn Crayola Holiday Glitter Magnetic Tiles
And Remember…
Even with these strategies, it’s important to manage expectations. The holidays can be overwhelming for young children—there’s a lot going on, and their routine is disrupted. It’s completely normal for kids to get fidgety and need breaks.
Attention Span of Children Aged 2 to 6
Young children have relatively short attention spans, especially when it comes to less engaging activities like mealtime. While this can vary from child to child, research shows that kids between the ages of 2 to 6 generally have an attention span of about 2 to 5 minutes per year of their age. So, a 2-year-old might be able to sit for 4 to 10 minutes, a 3-year-old might make it 6 to 15 minutes, and a 5-year-old could sit for 10 to 25 minutes.
But here's the thing: attention span isn’t set in stone. It’s elastic and can vary from child to child—and from moment to moment. Factors like whether the child is tired, has just woken up from a nap, or is about to go down for one can all play a role. Even the time of day matters. Morning energy might allow for more sitting, while after a long day, even the best-prepared kids might need a break.
So, while the numbers above give a general idea, try not to stress if your child gets up or isn’t quite ready to stay seated. It’s all part of the process, and it's okay if things don’t go as planned. Parenting is a journey, and sometimes mealtime can be a little unpredictable. Be gentle with yourself—things never go perfectly, and that’s okay. The holidays are about connecting with family and friends, having fun, and feeling grateful for the moments we share. Whether your child snubs their nose at your grandmother’s famous mashed potatoes, or turns away from the rich, golden turkey they’ve loved in years past, it’s all part of the experience. The best moments often come from the unexpected, and that’s what makes the holidays memorable.
By incorporating these fun activities and keeping expectations realistic, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.
Happy Holidays!
-The LGM Family
