Whether you travel away from home, or you're the one who hosts family and friends for the yearly Thanksgiving meal, think about keeping your kids safe and occupied during the holiday. The stove may be putting out delicious smells and tastes, but be sure you've got an eye on it while your kids and those of your guests wait for the meal to be ready. {relatedarticles}Keep them occupied by giving them lots of Thanksgiving-related crafts. It's easy for older children to cut strips of paper and weave them into placemats. Little ones can trace their hands and make "turkeys." Consider using their creations for the table centerpiece. Older children will appreciate being involved in helping to prepare the meal, whenever appropriate, and when it's time, they can help set the table. If babies are involved, then make sure you have foods that they are able to consume, whenever age appropriate.

Good Thanksgiving foods for baby to feast on include turkey, ham, mashed and sweet potatoes, beans, peas, carrots, cranberry sauce, bread, and pies. Pass on choking hazards like corn, succotash and stuffing and allergy risks like nuts, seafood, and rich casseroles, which can upset baby's tummy. {relatedarticles}If you travel for the holiday, then be sure that wherever you stay is childproofed. If not, then inspect the area upon arriving. Hazards in hotel rooms can include exposed outlets, potentially poisonous toiletries, appliances like coffee machines, and heavy televisions placed high on dressers. Look for window blind cords wherever you're staying, and tie them up out of kids' reach. Supervise children more closely than you would at home while playing or when they use the bathroom, where medications might be stored. Most important, enjoy the time with family and friends - just make sure your kids are safe while doing it.