Teenage years are filled with insecurity, doubt and overall awkwardness. And in recent years, these types of insecurities -- combined with a variety of other factors -- have led many teenagers to plastic surgery.

teens and plastic surgery… but why?

Contributed by Traci S. Campbell

During the teenage years, not only are young bodies going through the natural physical changes — internally and externally— to prepare for impending adulthood, but socially, there are a whole host of other challenges.

The need to be, not only accepted by their peers, but looked up to by others can be emotionally consuming for many teens. However, over the past several years, the solution to this issue has gone from a trip to the mall to buy a new outfit or new makeup to going under the knife. We must ask ourselves: What has changed in our society to propel young people to these new heights of insecurities and competitiveness, where they feel plastic surgery is the only answer?

One issue is bullying. The rise in bullying has resulted in nearly one-third of all school-aged kids and teens being bullied — a number closely approaching 13 million, according to the CDC's 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Recently, the case of Nadia Ilse caught nationwide attention. The 14-year-old had been a victim of bullying. As a result, she was given $40,000 worth of cosmetic surgery procedures, free of charge, from the Little Baby Face Foundation. She had her ears pinned back, her nose reshaped and her chin was also restructured. Her ears were “fixed” because kids were calling her names like “Dumbo” and “Elephant.”

There are other reasons that plastic surgery is increasingly more and more accepted among all ages, including teenagers. "First, the surgery is safe; there are very few significant complications. Second, our society places a high premium on physical attractiveness and rewards those who are slender, youthful and handsome," conclude study authors Mary H. McGrath, M.D., MPH, and Sanjay Mukerji, M.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeons at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, in a recent issue of the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. "Third, we live in a culture that emphasizes competition and legitimizes self-improvement as a way to gain a competitive edge and lastly, plastic surgery lives up to its expectations."

In Brazil, known as the new capital of plastic surgery, it is very common for minor nips and tucks to be acquired. But many who are acquiring these services are beauty pageant contestants. Miss Brazil, Juliana Borges, age 22 years and already considered “beautiful,” recently competed in the Miss Universe pageant. However, prior to the competition, she underwent plastic surgery four times as well as having 19 smaller cosmetic procedures.

The prevailing message here is clear: We have created a society where physical looks will not only shield you from harm, but also give you an advantage over the next person. So how can parents help their teens overcome the desire to rush to their local plastic surgeon? By instilling true value and self-esteem in their teens as soon as possible:

Encourage teens to blaze their own path and help them to truly understand the difference between “being famous” and “being a healthy-minded person.” They two do not often go together.

Consistently reinforce the positive traits — physical and mental — in your teen: Just as adults love praise and validation, teens need it even more so as they try to navigate the stressful waters of adolescence.

Teens who have some semblance of a spiritual foundation are less likely to give in to peer pressure and overall have a much better opinion of themselves.

Volunteerism in the community will give teens a foundation of purpose and will help to put things in proper perspective, especially as they help those less fortunate. They will realize that beauty comes in all forms and a knife or scalpel is not the answer to everything.

About Traci S. Campbell

Traci S. Campbell has been an IT consultant for more than 15 years, working for high-profile corporate clients such as Sears, IBM and McDonald’s Corp. As an international social advocate and life coach, she focuses on helping clients overcome personal obstacles so they can achieve their goals. She is the creator of The C.H.A.M.P. Within program and founder of the national Beauty In/Beauty Out Tour. She provides services through her 501 organization, C.H.A.M.P. Community Project, which supports schools, rehab centers, shelters and other local and international programs for at-risk children and single-parent families.

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Strollers that do it all

These days, strollers are getting more and more versatile. From strollers that grow with your family to streamlined designs, new moms face a daunting challenge when picking out a stroller for the first time. Check out these practical and quality strollers we love:

Swaddle blanket

New moms will quickly discover the many benefits of an effective swaddle blanket — perhaps the most important being better sleep for Baby and Mommy! Swaddled babies tend to sleep for longer stretches of time since their limbs are held secure and they can't flail or wake themselves up.

Summer Infant SwaddleMe —Thekla Richter, mom to a 16-month-old boy, says these swaddles are easier to use than swaddling with a blanket. "Snuggly close the Velcro snap and your baby is ready for a good, long sleep."

aden + anais swaddle blankets — Check out these large, slightly stretchy, lightweight muslin swaddlers for your new baby. Mom Caitlin Sullivan used these swaddlers for naps and nighttime for her baby for the first six months. Sullivan raved about the tight swaddle and breathable fabric.

The Miracle Blanket — According to many new moms, this blanket lives up to its name. "This blanket is great for all babies, but perfect for colicky or fussy ones," Mom Holly Klaassen said. "Both of my kids were little escape artists, and they were never able to escape from this swaddler."

Breastfeeding pillow

Learning to breastfeed can be difficult enough for a new mom. Take some of the stress out of this experience by registering for a Boppy , a favorite of moms everywhere. It can help alleviate any fatigue on your back and arms — even newborns get heavy after awhile. The support is invaluable, and there are washable slipcovers available.

Baby carrier

A comfortable baby carrier is a must-have for new moms and babies. According to mom of two Linda Tong, her baby carrier frees up both of her hands for other tasks while keeping her 3-month-old safe and snuggled.

Swing

According to mom of two Tong, her most-prized new baby gear is a swing. "My 3-month-old comfortably sleeps in it while I'm able to take care of my 2-year-old and do things around the house," she said. "We even bought two, one for the bedroom and the other for the living room. That's how much we love and need it!"

Check out the Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N Swing for a comfy, cozy swing solution for your new baby.

Bouncer

New moms have to get creative when it comes to finding time for a shower. That's where a good bouncer comes in handy. Mom Lesa Linster recommends the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer . "This was perfect because [my son] loved it when he was young and it's easy to fold and store," she said. "It plays music and vibrates, and actually allowed me to get a shower in early on!"

Baby monitor

If you're looking for a high-tech baby monitor, look no further than the Summer Infant BabyTouch Digital Video Monitor . Simply touch the screen to control the monitor's pan, zoom, scan and brightness features. You can even help calm and soothe your newborn by projecting your voice through the camera. Mom Lisa Leslie-Williams says she uses her video monitor multiple times per day. "The video monitor feature is especially convenient for moms that live in homes with multiple floors," she said.

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Blending a stepfamily

Moving from your own family into a new relationship and marriage can bring about emotions and stress, but if you surround your new family with bits and pieces from both your traditions and his, it can ease the transition.

Holidays are a time of warmth, fun and togetherness, so it can be an ideal place to start blending together the old and the new. It can be difficult at first to ease your children and his into new routines that include family holiday fun — particularly if they miss spending time with their other parent. However, working parts of what you and they are comfortable with into new traditions is rewarding and can help build memories that they will cherish.

Decorations — by everyone

One way to help everyone feel that they are part of your family is to decorate for Thanksgiving using artwork from each of the children. Also use decorations you or your partner have used in the past. If you don't have room to display everything, consider rotating your stash of decorations throughout the season.

Get their input

Young children may really relish starting new turkey day traditions, but be sure to keep old traditions as well as starting new ones. Quiz your partner on what they used to do to celebrate Thanksgiving as a family and keep those things in mind as you plan out your day.

Older children, such as preteens and teenagers, may be more resistant to change than their younger siblings, so be sure to include them in your Thanksgiving planning. Find out what everyone's favorite parts of Thanksgiving dinner are and incorporate something from everyone in your meal plan.

Going visiting

Some families go to Grandma's for Thanksgiving dinner, so decide early on which family's house you will go to each year. You and your children may be accustomed to going to your mother's house, for example, and your spouse may want to go to his. One idea is to compromise by alternating years or even alternating holidays — go to your mom's for Thanksgiving and his for Christmas.

With these ideas in mind, your new blended family will create traditions that your — and his — children will grow to love and look forward to every year.

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Giving thanks with little ones

Thanksgiving is a great time to teach younger children the history and meaning of the holiday. This year, teach your preschooler about the history of Thanksgiving with the help of books, crafts, charity work and other projects.

Explaining to preschoolers the history of Thanksgiving doesn't have to be difficult. An assortment of terrific, inexpensive books is available to help teach your little ones about Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern is a fantastic choice for kids ages 4 to 6.

Also check out The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross and Carolyn Croll. For the youngest in your house, a good option is The First Thanksgiving: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Kathryn Lynn Davis. Toddlers love to open the flaps, and since there isn't a lot of text, you can insert your own thoughts and stories as you read it aloud.

Craft projects can help teach your preschoolers about the history of Thanksgiving too. You can make pilgrim hats, pinecone turkeys, teepee centerpieces and more. Download these Thanksgiving coloring pages and printables. Your children can choose several pictures to color. Cut them out and glue them to construction paper. Then, you can laminate the paper and turn it into a Thanksgiving placemat or table decoration. While you are working on your crafts, continue to remind your child about the significance of the items and the story of the first Thanksgiving.

Find out how to make Styrofoam cup pilgrim hats>>

Thanksgiving is a time where we all give thanks for the blessings we have, and reach out to help those who are less fortunate. Get your children involved in charity work at a young age. You'll find plenty of opportunities to volunteer and contribute around Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. Sharing food with people you don't know is part of Thanksgiving history. You can adopt holiday ”orphans” who are in your area and away from their own families by inviting them to join your Thanksgiving dinner. You can also select other volunteer projects for your child or family to do together at Thanksgiving time.

Read more about giving thanks and our families>>

On Thanksgiving Day, have each person at the table share three things that they are thankful for this year or prayers for the upcoming year. You can write these items down in a blank journal and then save it to read throughout the year. Your family can also create a special Thanksgiving tablecloth. Purchase a plain white tablecloth and provide several fabric markers on the table. Family and friends can write their gratitude notes and blessings on the tablecloth, signing their name and date. Your family can use the tablecloth on Thanksgiving for years to come, adding more to it each year.

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Consequences and liability of pranks

From the recent arrest of a student on felony charges stemming from a food fight to toilet-papering houses being considered vandalism, the face of the innocent teenage prank has changed.

Felony food fights and toilet paper trouble

Teenage pranks are nothing new, but they certainly carry steeper consequences than when we were kids. What should you know about the liability of pranks, and what should you tell your teens?

Most of us can remember playing pranks as teenagers — usually innocent fun. YouTube videos have taken modern-day teenage pranks to a whole new level, giving teens not only an outlet for their creativity, but a new place to scout for ideas. Have teenage pranks gone too far?

Don't worry: It's just normal teen behavior>>

Felony food fight

An Arizona teen is facing felony charges stemming from a food fight in his high school’s cafeteria last spring, where a teacher alleges he was tackled and knocked to the ground by the student. In a statement from school officials, they referred to the food fight as “... a dangerous, physical assault that put the safety of hundreds of students and staff members at risk.“

For teens participating or observing such a prank, it may be hard to tell where the line is drawn between harmless fun and felony assault. YouTube is full of videos captured on cell phone cameras of school cafeteria food fights, providing an immediate outlet for teens instigating such pranks.

Toilet paper trouble

Five teenagers were arrested in a toilet-papering incident at a Boston area high school last month and charged with malicious destruction of property over $250, defacement of real property, conspiracy and trespassing. Felony charges were also brought against the teens because they used chains to secure the doors of the school buildings.

Many teens — and even their parents — consider toilet-papering someone’s home and yard a harmless prank, but Davis California police officer Ton Phan feels differently. “TPing is a crime because it is defacing property that is not your own,” says Officer Phan. “We don’t go out and actively look for TPing people,” he adds. “We usually get a call and we go check it out.” Officers who catch someone in the act of TPing another person’s property will make them clean it up, but property owners can opt to press charges.

Parents get in on the action

The latest odd twist on teen pranks may just be who their sidekicks are — Mom and Dad. In an effort to set the worst possible example, a Texas mom has been charged as an accomplice in a toilet-papering and vandalism attack on a neighbor’s home that caused an estimated $6,000 in damages. She allegedly joined forces with a group of middle-school kids to toilet-paper the neighbor’s trees and paint graffiti on the outside walls of their home using Sharpie pens and mustard. The group also left raw chicken in the mailbox, and ketchup-soaked feminine products on the front lawn.

While parents may feel that they are simply protecting and escorting their teens in harmless fun, by participating they also put themselves at risk for charges. The Texas mom was charged with felony criminal mischief for the alleged incident.

How to build a relationship with your teen>>

Liability issues

Teens and their parents need to be aware of the potential for liability when they instigate pranks such as toilet-papering or food fights. According to the California Penal Code, the punishment for vandalizing a property if the resulting damage is less than $400 is one year in jail or a fine of $1,000. Aside from the potential for property damage and fines, there is always the chance that a prank will result in someone being physically injured. Talk with your teens about pranks in terms of intent. If the intent is to cause damage or hurt someone’s feelings, pranks more closely resemble vandalism.

Being involved in pranks — even just from the sidelines — can cost your teen jobs, scholarship opportunities and friendships. Help your teen stay on the right side of the law by encouraging fun activities with friends like making funny videos that don’t involve the property of others.

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Have you heard of the Common Core State Standards? If your eyes glazed over at the mere thought of trying to figure out what this new phrase in child education means, you aren't alone. But the good news is that they aren't nearly as confusing as they sound.

The Common Core State Standards have been developed by parents, teachers and other educators to better prepare today's students for college and career readiness.

A universal language

So, what is this exactly? The Common Core is not a standardized curriculum. It's not mandated. It's not testing or rules or anything like that. Instead, what the Common Core does is create skill guidelines for curriculum so that students across the country generally gain the same skills in the same school year — meaning that a student from West Virginia who moves to Colorado theoretically will be able to fit right into her new school's studies seamlessly.

It's like adopting a national language for education.

To date, 45 states and three territories have adopted the Common Core State Standards. They are being implemented and worked into curriculums — perhaps even your child's.

"As parents, I think it is important to know that while the Common Core Standards provide a universal language for the educational community, much teacher support and development is needed in order for the standards to be used at a level of maximum effectiveness," says M. Shannon Hernandez, owner of The Writing Whisperer, a writing coach and curriculum consultant based out of Brooklyn, New York.

Revamping curriculum

If this seems like a big goal — aligning curriculums with skills that kids need to learn at certain stages — it is. State curriculums have to be evaluated and tweaked so that they address these things, while still maintaining each state's individual goals.

And teachers have to learn about this new way of educating. "Districts across the country are bringing in Common Core specialists to educate teachers on how to effectively implement the standards, as well as extending a helping hand in rewriting and aligning current curriculum so that it matches the new Common Core curriculum," says Hernandez.

Challenges to implementation

While we've been hearing about the Common Core for a few years now, it takes time to both implement and train educators to use. It's a big learning experience for everyone — and will require patience as new skills become classroom standards. For instance, the Common Core places great emphasis on writing and literacy — more than subject matter teachers are accustomed to.

"The majority of content teachers have never been asked to teach reading and writing instruction, nor had the adequate training to do so, and consequently this aspect of the Common Core curriculum has placed additional demands and stress on science, social studies and math teachers," says Hernandez, who helps districts bridge the gap in roles to enable "students to be successful in science classrooms across the country."

Is it a good thing? Yes, say many educators. The Common Core is making child education really work in real-life scenarios — such as making math lessons obviously apply to practical uses. And that can't be bad, can it?

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Lily Aldridge

Lily Aldridge looked amaaah-zing walking down the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on November 7. The supermodel gave birth to her daughter Dixie less than five months ago!

I stalked her Twitter feed to find out her secret to losing the baby weight. “2 hour pilates session! Feeling amazing!” she tweeted... followed by a tweet about “delish” pizza the next day.

She also told Us Weekly about her diet. "I tried to eat really clean foods before the show, and I just had a baby, so I was eating overtime to keep with breastfeeding,"

She did, however, tweet about her post Victoria’s Secret Show splurge.

“Come to mama,” she tweeted, with a photo of six hamburger sliders and French fries at Lavo.

Aldridge was also affected by Hurricane Sandy like many others who live on the East Coast. “Sitting w @ErinHeatherton at a hotel uptown!” she tweeted. “We both just had to leave our apts bc of Hurricane Sandy!!! #SendingPrayers to everyone!”

Emily Maynard

Shortly after splitting with her fiance Jef Holm, The Bachelorette star and single mom Emily Maynard was photographed dancing closely with NASCAR driver Jason White, fueling rumors that the couple is dating.

“HUGE #Bachelorette news! @EmilyMaynard has moved on!” tweeted The Stir.

“Not true..still totally single sorry,” Maynard quickly responded.

She also responded to US Weekly, who tweeted, “Exclusive! Emily Maynard dating NASCAR racer Jason White.”

“Absolutely NOT! He’s been one of my good friends forever!” Maynard wrote, later telling another Twitter follower she is “good being single for awhile.”

Now that she has that cleared up, Maynard can focus on her daughter Ricki. “Last minute coaching from the mom who has never played soccer in her life #soccermom” she wrote.

Pink

You can thank the singer Pink for the reason why I am writing this with a post-it note over the webcam on my computer.

“I've been told that hackers can tap into your laptop computers and watch through ur cameras, so always put a post it over your camera!” she tweeted. “Tune in tomorrow for more crazy! this world is nutso.”

“Prettiest girl in the universe.... #smitten” she later wrote, with a photo of her cute daughter Willow.

Also on her mind? “It's really really hard for me to deal with my little one being sick. It's really hard for ME. Not her. ME. She's not aloud to be sick EVER“ she tweeted.

Brooke Burke

Brooke Burke revealed she has a cancerous nodule on her thyroid gland that will require surgery. She said that she will have a large scar across her neck, but that her doctor was optimistic about her diagnosis.

“I'm feeling the love today from friends, family, #DWTS, tweeties, fans. You warm my heart. I'm feeling good Thank you from down deep xoxo,” she tweeted. “I was scared to get on twitter and hear what people are saying.....now I can breathe easy. Thank you for the support.”

Her previous tweets gave no indication what Burke was going through.

“Driving 2 teens to school b4 my shoot. Great conversationalist. Here's what it looks like,” wrote Brooke Burke, with a link to a photo of her two daughters looking at their iPhones.

“Long day tomorrow too. Having mommy guilt knowing that I'll miss my littlest ones bedtime & morning routine tomorrow. Work/life balance...,” wrote the Dancing with the Stars host, who has four children

“Omg! My daughter just got a new phone & screwed up the set-up. All her texts r coming to my Phone! She's freaking out! Priceless info lol!” tweeted Burke. “I'm cracking up, what a way to know her friends! Waaaay to much information.”

Hilary Duff

“Btw I officially have a crawling baby!! It's cray cray!!! That maniac is allll over...grabby and demanding as hell annnnnnd WE LOVE him!!!” wrote Hilary Duff about baby Luca.

“Feel violated. Is there really a demand for pictures of my family grocery shopping inside the store?? Can understand if we went to mr.chows,” she later tweeted.

“What kind of award do I get for making such a CUTE child!!!!?????” she wrote, with a photo of her adorable blue-eyed, blond-hair baby.

Check out more funny, sweet and whacky celebrity mom tweets here>>

Photos: WENN

Raising responsible children

As an adult, you know accountability is a huge part of life. What you may not realize is that you are teaching your little one responsibility and accountability every day, through both your actions and expectations.

How to raise
accountable kids

Want to make sure you’re fulfilling your responsibility to your kids? Pay attention to your everyday actions and behaviors.

It's so much easier to run around at the end of the day and pick up all of the toys that make your house appear more like a daycare center than a home. Motivating toddlers and preschoolers to actually put the toys away instead of playing with them is exhausting, especially when you still have to clean up dinner, get them ready for bed and then tackle all the work you couldn't complete during the day. While giving your kids a free pass once in a while isn't a big deal, taking the easy route too often will cost you — and them — later.

Start young

Jenn Berman, Ph.D., author of Superbaby: 12 Ways to Give your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years, suggests that if your child is capable of doing something on her own, you guide her to do it instead of doing it for her.

Sounds simple, right? And it's probably even common sense. But stop and think about how often we just grab the plate off the table and put it in the sink because it takes so much less time. Instead, tell your toddler how much it helps Mommy when he puts his dirty dish in the sink . Not only is he learning to clean up after himself, he'll also feel good about helping.

Offer choices

If your toddler or preschooler is knee-deep in the "no" phase, asking, "Will you help Mommy put your toys away" probably isn't going to illicit an enthusiastic, "Yes!" Instead, Dr. Jenn suggests you offer a choice: "Do you want to put your stuffed animal back in your room or do you want to clean up your blocks?" She says that choices give children power, and it's important to give them as much power as possible.

Work on manners

Don't overlook the importance of manners. Dr. Jenn reminds parents that manners are a very strong form of accountability — one that children initially learn by mimicking your behavior.

Learn how to teach your toddler manners>>

Don't quit!

As your little one gets older and life gets even busier, don't forget that instilling responsibility is your job throughout their childhood and their teen years. A good foundation will last a lifetime.

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Two reasons to celebrate

Turkey Day birthday party ideas

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November, so a late November birthday may fall around or even on Turkey Day.

Are you looking for some unique turkey-themed party ideas to incorporate into your child’s big day?

Holidays and birthdays mix often — after all, you can find holidays on nearly every page of your calendar. A Halloween birthday party may be easy to pull off, but Thanksgiving may have you scratching your head a bit as you try to think of clever ideas to make your kiddo’s birthday extra fun with Thanksgiving touches. The good news? The icons — and flavors — of fall are easy to incorporate into a fabulous Thanksgiving birthday party.

Think of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving probably brings to mind many classic images — turkeys, autumn leaves, pilgrims and pumpkins. Even though Christmas decorations have been in stores since before Halloween, it’s still easy to find Thanksgiving decorations featuring these images. Craft stores — or online — may be your best bet if other stores are a little too holly jolly for your needs.

Thanksgiving cake

Instead of a regular birthday cake, serve a pumpkin pie with candles — and you can even decorate it with frosting letters for a personal touch. If you are all tired of the Thanksgiving classic pie, try a different variety, such as pumpkin cheesecake. If your kiddo is looking forward to cake instead of pie, make a cake or cupcakes that feature a fun turkey or pilgrim motif.

Drinks and other food

One idea is to serve traditional cold-weather hot drinks like apple cider or hot cocoa. If your guests are too small to be able to handle hot drinks, try a cranberry juice blend. And you probably don’t want to create yet another Thanksgiving feast, but there are some fun ideas if you want to serve other food besides cake or pie. Rolls go over well with most kids, especially if you are brave enough to let them wield the butter knife themselves. Try raw veggies with several fun dips, like ranch and hummus, and apples and pears.

Activities

The turkey drawing you probably did as a child never grows old. Give each child a piece of construction paper and help them trace their hands. After you demonstrate how to do it , let them decorate to their heart’s content — have plenty of markers, crayons and stickers available for them to use.

Another idea, also involving art, is to have them decorate a large sheet of butcher’s paper that you roll out onto the floor. The birthday boy or girl will probably love to hang onto it as a fun keepsake. And instead of pin the tail on the donkey, try pin the feathers on the turkey, with a small prize for everyone who tries .

There are plenty of ways to create a memorable Thanksgiving birthday party — bring on the turkeys and party away.

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The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving

Your preschoolers will love learning about the history of Thanksgiving and the journey of the pilgrims to America in this book.

The Story of the Pilgrims

This book tells the story of the pilgrims' dangerous voyage to America, first harsh winter and amazing first Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks

With a message about being grateful, this book for preschoolers takes the emphasis off the pilgrims and the Thanksgiving feast, and puts it on giving thanks.

What Is Thanksgiving?

This Thanksgiving board book is written in rhyme. It's the perfect choice for teaching your little ones about giving thanks for our blessings.

...If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620

This fact-filled book for elementary schoolers answers an assortment of questions about the pilgrims' journey, the Thanksgiving feast and their first year in America.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving

Aimed at children 5 years old and up, this Thanksgiving book tells the story of Squanto and how it came about that he learned English and was living in the exact place where the pilgrims landed.

The First Thanksgiving: Step into Reading

This is the story of how the first Thanksgiving came to be, vividly told with color illustrations and easy-to-read for Level 3 readers.

Pilgrims of Plymouth

This wonderful book shows your child just what it was like to be a pilgrim child living in 17th-century Massachusetts. Photographs of historical reenactments and lively text pull the young reader into this historical period in time.

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving

With spectacular photographs taken during reenactments at Plymouth Plantation, this engaging book tells the Thanksgiving story from the view of both the English colonists and the Wampanoag people.

Thanksgiving: The True Story

Geared toward children ages 10 and up, this book delves into the history of Thanksgiving and discusses many of the Thanksgiving traditions that we celebrate today.

Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember

This 80-page book aims to enrich your family's awareness about the history of Thanksgiving, God's role in that history and the importance of gratitude. This Thanksgiving book is also accompanied by a music CD.

The Mayflower and the Pilgrim's New World

After a dangerous journey across the ocean, the passengers on the Mayflower were helped by the natives they encountered in the Plymouth region. For 50 years, they maintained a fragile peace, but then what happened? This book includes maps, artwork and photos to interest the older reader.

Image credit: Amazon.com

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Do you have a new addition since last Turkey Day? If so, incorporate a new family Thanksgiving Day tradition with Baby in mind.

Include baby in
his first Thanksgiving

Give thanks

There is nothing like welcoming a little miracle to make new parents want to bow their heads and thank the powers that be for their new family member. Invite your Thanksgiving guests to share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving too.

Would you give your baby a Thanksgiving inspired name? >>

Make a baby-friendly turkey day menu

Who says Baby can’t enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving meal along with the rest of your family? With a little help from your food processor, Baby can enjoy pureed turkey, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. If you have considered making your own baby food for your new addition, let your Thanksgiving meal be the kick-off to this habit.

As your baby grows, let him inspire you to make baby- and kid-friendly recipes a part of your Thanksgiving dinner menu.

Bring family together

Whether you live down the block from your family or across the country, make a point of getting together come Thanksgiving. Invite far away and nearby family members to stay with you during the holiday and enjoy watching everyone get to know your little one.

Make a memorable craft

Paint Baby’s hands with red, brown, yellow and/or orange washable paint and make left and right handprints on pieces of coordinating construction paper. Let dry, cut them out and glue them together for a darling Thanksgiving Day wreath made from Baby’s handprints. Make one every year as Baby’s hands grow!

Let older kids enjoy these 5 fun Thanksgiving Day crafts>>

Take Baby's picture with Tom Turkey

Ever heard your baby compared to a “Butterball?” Make light of the situation by placing Baby next to the main entrée of your Thanksgiving meal for a cute snapshot. Every year, take a picture of Baby and your Butterball and keep all the photos catalogued year by year in a special Thanksgiving album.

Have more fun with Baby’s first fall photos>>

Take a family nature walk

Wherever you are in the world, get in touch with nature on Thanksgiving Day. Push Baby in the stroller or strap him into your carrier as you and your other family members collect unique items such as pinecones, dried fall leaves of various colors, sticks and even acorns or fallen seed pods. Once you’ve accumulated enough items from nature, make a craft such as an autumn wreath or nature-inspired garlands to decorate your door, table, hearth and home.

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Hollywood baby shower

a special military cause

Mom and actress Christie Lynn Smith looked stunning last month as she celebrated her soon-to-be son with friends and family. The baby shower, thrown for Smith and her husband actor John Fortson, benefited a great cause — Celebrate the Military Child.

Christie Lynn Smith and her husband, actor John Fortson, live a truly normal life among glittery stars and over-the-top glam in Hollywood. The couple, parents to 4-year-old Abby Ryder, is expecting their second child on January 3, and their celebration of that baby was very much in line with the way they live their lives.

The couple is very excited to welcome a boy to their family. "When we saw the ultrasound and the doctor said, 'It’s a boy,' I think I was a little taken aback in the moment since all I knew was taking care of a little girl," Smith told SheKnows. "But that fear passed a day later and I’m absolutely thrilled!"

"I was very excited to find out it was a boy. I was going to be happy either way as I love our daughter Abby so much and have such a great time with her, but I thought it would be fun in this life to experience the differences in raising a boy and a girl," Dad-to-be Fortson shared. "And then I keep having visions of us surfing together, camping, playing basketball, having fun as he grows up and it makes me smile. Abby and I will do these things as well, but mentoring a little boy who you see yourself in is special in its own way."

One element of the shower was true to Hollywood. Some amazing companies showed up — not only to share their great products with the family, but also to donate to Celebrate the Military Child. Gold Hoof sponsors Packaways.com and Daddy Scrubs sponsored the event, which was hosted by family friend Faith Vera. Some of the souvenirs from Silver and Bronze Hoof Sponsors had the mom-and-dad-to-be galloping away with a Britax Boulevard 70-G3, Joovy Zoom 360, Stokke Tripp Trapp and a Summer Infant Peek Plus Monitor.

The family also trotted away with gifts from Bronze Hoof Sponsors Bebe au Lait, Button, Cover My Heart, Cuski, Happy Heinys, Hevea Baby USA, Push Pack, LollaCup, Sophie the Giraffe and Snooze Shade.

Smith and Fortson had a very special thank you to the sponsors: "We would like to tell them how much we appreciate their generosity and giving hearts in helping Celebrate the Military Child. People like you are so special and help make the world a better place through supporting such great causes. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."

The celebrity couple’s adult guests enjoyed gifts from NYR Organic and their smallest guests scored cute bags with a DVD from Lakeshore Learning. Little Ms. Abby Ryder was smitten with her personalized blanket from Button.

Family dreams

Soon-to-be big sister Abby is looking forward to her new role. "I think she’s very excited about her baby brother’s arrival," Smith said. "She’s always kissing my belly, singing and talking to him... It’s very sweet."

When Smith asked Abby how she felt, the sweet 4-year-old said, "Really good and I’m so excited to have a baby brother. I love that he is gonna be a super strong baby." Be still our hearts!

I asked the couple about their dreams as a family of four and they were caught off guard. "Wow! Family of four! We never thought of it like that. How very exciting!" Fortson said. "It will be fun for the four of us to share time, projects and travel together. It will be fun to see the dynamics and gifts of each of us rise to the surface as we watch our children grow."

Smith said that she's looking forward to sharing the couple's love with both of their children and watching them grow up. "It's still crazy to believe there is a little person growing inside of me. We are beyond thrilled."

The new baby's name

I couldn't resist asking the always-pressing question for any mama-to-be: What are you naming the little guy?! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait. "We do have a name," Smith told me. "But just in case we change it when we meet him, I’d rather tell you after he’s born."

So check back in early January to meet the newest member of the Smith-Fortson family and to learn his name!

Image credits: Parties in Style and Mari Deno

More baby shower inspiration

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Military life is nothing new for Hurley, the mother of a little girl nicknamed Turtle — she grew up in a military family and her husband is in the Army. This Veterans Day takes on extra meaning for her and her family, as they share a little bit of their life with us.

A love story

SK: How did you meet Erich?

Hurley: We met through a mutual friend and we barely talked at first, but then our friend died and we only had each other to talk to about it. Eventually we had gotten to know each other really well and we just never really left each other.

SK: What was your wedding like?

Hurley: Fast, very fast. We had all of two hours to go to the courthouse because it was the day he graduated boot camp and he had to go back to formation after that two hours was up. We managed to get married and have dinner. Then I didn't see him for four months. This was also the day he first met and held our daughter. She was five weeks old.

Good news

SK: How did you and Erich react when you found out you were expecting?

Hurley: Scared. We had a miscarriage a few months before so we were walking on eggshells the first trimester. It wasn't until we found out the sex that he got attached.

SK: How did it change your lives — besides the hopes, dreams and planning a new baby entails?

Hurley: We knew it was time to get a better income, one that wouldn’t have us living paycheck to paycheck. He signed up for the army, and once we got stationed and we were back together, it was all so easy. We have definitely grown up. No more super late nights or going out a ton. I quit smoking and he got way more responsible.

Signing up

SK: When did Erich sign up for the military?

Hurley: I think it was about August 2009, and then he left in January 2010, a month before Annaliese was born.

SK: What were his reasons?

Hurley: To have a better income, a definite place to live and to allow us to be self-sufficient and not rely on family helping us.

SK: How did you feel about it?

Hurley: I was happy, I grew up in a military family so it wasn’t anything new. I was glad we were going to be able to see the world a little bit and have that dependable income.

A soldier

SK: Tell us about the process Erich went through to become a soldier?

Hurley: He went to boot camp first. That was two and a half months, then he went off to AIT, which is like job training for four months. Then he got a two-week break at home with me before we moved to his first duty station in Alaska.

SK: How well did you deal with it?

Hurley: It was harder while he was in boot camp because the only way we could communicate was letters and I didn’t exactly have all the time in the world to sit and write a letter with a newborn baby. And him missing the birth of her to begin with was hard. All I wanted was for him to be there encouraging me through labor, and helping me with the new baby. I did everything on my own.

When he deployed I started sewing to pass the time. It helped a lot to have something to work toward. And it also was better than going out and getting a part-time job because I could still spend all day with Annaliese.

Check out Hurley's sewing here: turtleloveshop.etsy.com and facebook.com/turtleloveshop.

Along comes a Turtle

SK: Tell us about your pregnancy and birth?

Hurley: I had a high-risk pregnancy so we were always so worried. I went to the doctor more and had more tests than normal. I did kick counts religiously for fear that one day she wouldn’t move anymore. The labor was long and drawn out. Not how I had planned it to be because I was induced and I would have preferred her to come on her own — then I was in labor for two days.

They broke my water on day two and I was minutes away from a C-section by the time I was ready to push. My mom and Erich's stepmom were with me, holding my hands. Erich found that Annaliese was born two days later. I had to put in a Red Cross message just so he could call me for 30 minutes.

Veterans Day

SK: What kinds of challenges have you faced as a military family?

Hurley: Being apart is the No. 1 challenge. I would say the second would be how difficult it is to travel or see family while living so far away. Plane tickets are outrageous so we only get to travel maybe once a year.

SK: What strategies or tools have you used to make it through the hard times?

Hurley: Skype! It was the only way we could talk while he was deployed. We have money saving strategies so we can afford those crazy plane tickets and if bills are higher .

SK: What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Hurley: It's a day to honor all the military service members, past and present, that have fought for their country. They made a huge sacrifice and they deserve to have a day where everyone respects that.

SK: What are you most thankful for this year as Veterans Day rolls around?

Hurley: My husband and my family. He made it home from Afghanistan and is home with me and Annaliese. I'm incredibly thankful for that.

More on Veterans Day

Veterans Day photos: Military families
Top 10 military family blogs
Military families: Survival guide

Power outages became the norm; so did the hum of generator motors. School districts closed. Roads were impassable as uprooted trees blocked entire paths, and in their descent, the trees brought down live cable, telephone and power lines. The greatest toll of all, of course, was the loss of human life. Hurricane Sandy claimed more than 110 lives thus far, one being John “Jack” Miller, a one-time work colleague of my husband. As John and his family prepared to evacuate, he was killed by a falling tree. His wife and two young daughters — ages 5 and 3 — were already in the car and unhurt. John was only 39.

In the midst of massive clean-up, Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, sent a Nor’easter to the already Sandy-battered area. Twice in the span of two weeks, the region’s mental, physical and emotional mettle was challenged. Compared to those who lost loved ones and entire houses, my family emerged relatively unscathed. Still, I prayed for those in dire circumstances to find comfort, hope and light — literally and figuratively — from the darkness. Through the darkness, a 25-year-old man named Paul Morris unknowingly brought hope and light into our family. And, all it took was one phone call.

A beacon of light

Paul called our home, as he does on many nights, to inquire about my family — particularly Ethan, my son with autism spectrum disorder. What makes Paul’s phone call truly remarkable is that Paul has autism. When Paul was 5, his parents Robin and Danny were told that he would forever be nonverbal. They could also forget any prospect of Paul having empathy, friends or ever living independently.

Paul is the youngest and only “atypical” in a set of quadruplets; his three other womb-mates, sister Sabrina, and brothers Jesse and Tyler are typical. Though nonverbal until age 5, Paul’s parents treated each child the same, and Paul was held accountable to the same house rules. Inside the Morris household, tough love and tenacity was the law of the land. Outside the household, Robin and Danny were tenacious and aggressive in their approach to Paul’s condition.

For twenty years, they sought out every reasonable intervention, therapy and approach to facilitate Paul’s communication. “Sometimes, it’s the luck of the draw,” says Robin. “Hard work doesn’t necessarily mean a child with autism will improve. If your child doesn’t improve, that doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent; it just means that autism won that particular round of the lifelong fight.”

Hope personified

And yet, for someone like Paul who was never supposed to speak… or be empathic… or have friends… or live independently, there he was, on the other end of the phone line — calling from his own apartment — to ask about my family. Paul said he couldn’t get to work because Hurricane Sandy stopped his preferred method of travel — public transportation. As for this non-verbal-until-age-5-child-with-autism, Paul is also now a public speaker and sought-after autism advocate. Paul recently spoke at Yale University at a program called “Coming Back for Science and Sandwiches.” To watch Paul — and his parents — is to understand what hope and light truly mean.

For families devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and families devastated by autism, my most sincere wish is that you may once again find comfort… hope… and light. Bram Stoker wrote, “There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.” May the memories of the more than 110 lives lost, and the hope personified by Paul Morris, always illuminate our way, now and forever.

More about autism

The passion of autism
Autism and average and schnooks, oh, my!
Autism: That's what friends are for

Trouble brewing

Honestly, I should have seen it coming.

He resisted his jacket when I took him out of his car seat and fought me when I reached for his hand in the parking lot.

When I insisted, he pulled and yanked, trying to escape my grip.

As we approached the doors and he caught sight of the shopping cart, he immediately began shouting “No! No cart! I walk!” Then he did what 2-year-olds are so good at doing. He dropped to the floor and went completely stiff.

When I tried to pick him up, he kicked and flailed with fierce determination.

Learn how to deal with a toddler tantrum>>

Flashbacks to an easier time

And in that moment, I flashed back to Target visits with his older sister Katie when she was his age. The memories of her sitting like an angel in the cart are so vivid to me, even now.

Katie has always been such a compliant child. She has thrived on pleasing us and has always been so good at listening to reason.

For the first few years of her life, my husband and I were quite certain that we were the best parents ever. Clearly it was our extraordinary parenting that made her such an easy child, right?

I recall that our biggest concern about her growing personality was that she wasn’t terribly perseverant. We tried to bring that out in her so that she when she wanted something badly enough, she would stand firm.

We actually wanted her to be stubborn.

Theories, disproved

Then, when Matthew came along, we slowly began to realize that we wouldn’t be writing any parenting manuals anytime soon.

From the very beginning, he challenged us in ways that Katie never had.

And as difficult as that is, it’s also quite lovely.

I’m grateful to him because we have in him the opportunity to parent a child who is quite different than his sister. The highs and lows are more extreme with him and it makes me truly appreciate who he is.

While we thought we had all of the answers with Katie, he is showing us that we never really did.

Should you ever negotiate with a toddler?>>

Blessings, discovered

Matthew is giving us the opportunity to face challenges that ask us to problem solve and grow as parents. Our parenting toolbox has gotten pretty full since he came along.

And I’m grateful to his sister because she gave us nearly three years where we felt as though we were just inherently gifted at this parenting thing. Oh, how ignorance was bliss.

I love that Katie and Matthew are so different from one another and I’m finding joy in every step of this journey with each of them.

Even when that means watching one of those children have a complete meltdown on a filthy floor in the middle of Target while the other one is pointing out her brother's inappropriate behavior.

More on parenting siblings

Don't treat siblings equally, treat them fairly
Preparing for a new sibling's arrival
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The landscape of prenatal books for moms-to-be is as wide and varied as the flowers of summer. How on earth can you sift through all of the options and find the right one for you? Well, chances are that a lot of women are going to want to tell you what worked for them. That kind of advice is indispensable, but can be overwhelming too.

Before you are inundated with advice from anyone who has ever been in throwing distance of an infant, here are some of the best books out there for moms-to-be.

The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy

If there is one book that is mentioned again and again and again by mother's who've been there, it's The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine. Women love the honest advice that is dispensed in a gentle, but funny manner. "It was well-written, full of hilarious stories from the author and her friends, but also so chocked full of information it became absolutely indispensable to me. It was a much gentler guide to a first pregnancy than What to Expect which, quite frankly, freaked me out since it tells readers everything that could ever possibly go wrong with a pregnancy," said mom Angie Brown.

Other moms agree that the 271-page book is reassuring and comforting, like a real friend. "This book answered a lot of embarrassing questions before I had to ask them. The author made me laugh hysterical[ly] and cringe in fear, but it was all stuff I needed to know. I have since shared this book with many, many pregnant friends. It's actually the first thing I buy for my newly pregnant friends and they've all agreed that it's great," said Tara Z. Baumgarten.

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

The world-class Mayo Clinic's authorative tome on pregnancy will suit any mother-to-be's bookshelf. Although a hefty volume , what it lacks in leisurely reading it makes up for in information. Clearly written and cleanly organized, it has separate chapters for pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the newborn baby, with separate areas for complications and special considerations and decisions a parent might face. Moms rave about the valuable reference guide the Mayo Clinic provides and they swear that it's the only book they needed.

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books

Ann Douglas's book, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, covers just about every topic from conception to postpartum that you could possibly want to know about. It's thorough and detailed, without delving into a preachy tone. As a result, moms-to-be who want to be in the know love it.

"My go-to pregnancy book is The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas. I love the balanced tone and the research-backed advice," said Taryn Mickus.

The Pregnancy Countdown Book

If you're looking for a book that has a page for every day of your pregnancy, look no further. The Pregnancy Countdown Book: Nine Months of Practical Tips, Useful Advice, and Uncensored Truths by Susan Magee will keep you company for every one of the 280 days that your pregnancy brings you. Real mom quotes accompany the friendly tone of valuable information on your baby's growth, as well as changes you are going through as the months go by. Tips and suggestions round out this book as your baby grows from a teeny embryo to a newborn baby.

The Diaper Diaries

Birth is just the start of motherhood. That's why the honest and funny approach of The Diaper Diaries: The Real Poop on a New Mom's First Year by Cynthia L. Copeland reaches moms. Your need to know doesn't stop at the delivery room, so a book like this can help you navigate the bold new world of motherhood.

And yes, you will learn all about poop.

"This book was first given to me as a gift by my stepbrother's fiance, but I have since given it to many others. The book was easy-to-read, funny pages-style, and perfectly blunt. I particularly loved the page about how long it takes a new mom to get out of the house with the baby for a doctor's appointment . Hysterical! Obviously not intended to cover all the issues related to immunizations, allergies, or emergency C-sections, but perfect for what it was... a good laugh during some not-so-funny days," said Jenny Cheifetz of TheSugarMommy.com, a custom cookie and candy business.

What about What to Expect?

The thing about the What to Expect When You're Expecting franchise is that either moms-to-be love it or hate it. The long-revered book is like a dictionary of what could happen, and some of it is pretty scary. But for some moms, this is the book of books for pregnant moms.

"I was a devotee of What to Expect, and also What to Expect the First Year. I learned a lot about what I was going through in What to Expect When You're Expecting, and learned what to look for in the coming months from its successor," said Raffi Darrow, RDesign.

More on pregnancy

Pregnancy food cravings: Are yours normal?
What to expect from the 20-week ultrasound
Maternity wardrobe essentials: Stylish basics

Take advantage of wall space

Create a lego or hot wheels wall

Upgrade your child's bedroom and take advantage of unused space by getting toys off the floor and onto the walls.

Many of your child's favorite toys — from Legos to Hot Wheels — can get off the floor and go vertical!

You can save valuable floor space in your child’s room by going vertical. We are always telling our kids to pick up their toys and now they'll be happy to do so with these fun ideas.

Lego walls

You've probably seen the photos of Lego walls on Pinterest and YouTube. And now, you can create a Lego wall with ease.

What you'll need:

• Masonite board
• Stud finder
• Flat-head screws
• Super Glue
• Lego baseplates
• Lego blocks

Directions:

1. Decide how much wall space you are going to use and cut masonite board to size. Keeping in mind that your Lego baseplates are 15" x 15", determine how many of them you will need to cover your board.
2. Mount the masonite on the wall by locating a few studs as anchors. Use the flat-head screws to mount the masonite, making sure the screws are flush with the board. If you aren't going floor-to-ceiling with your Lego wall, use a level and tape measure to be sure your board is straight.
3. Apply Super Glue to the back of the initial baseplate. Press the baseplate onto the board and use duct tape to secure it into place. Repeat with additional baseplates, using Lego bricks to secure adjoining plates as you go along.
4. Let the baseplates dry for 24 hours before allowing your kids to play.

Image courtesy of I-Beam Deisgn + Architecture

Hot Wheels walls

Generation after generation, every kid loves Hot Wheels. And now, you can create the ultimate Hot Wheels racetrack with Hot Wheels Wall Tracks.

The iconic orange tracks get off the floor and on the wall for a whole new Hot Wheels experience. Parents can easily hang the Wall Tracks without concerns over wall damage as they are packaged with 3M Command Strips and an easy installation template.

We all know that many toys say that they are easy to put together, but most of the time they aren't. Well, Wall Tracks really are — I tried it for myself, giving my 4-year-old son's room a Hot Wheels makeover.

We started with the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set. It includes everything you need with easy-to-follow instructions and a template.

Directions:

1. To begin, tape the template up against the wall and adhere the brackets with the 3M Command Strips as indicated. Press each bracket firmly against the wall for about 30 seconds. Remove the template and wait about an hour before adding weight to the Command Strips.
2. Next pre-assemble the track pieces as shown on the instructions. They simply snap together. Then follow the guide to add the track to the wall.
3. Then, it's time to play! Just load the car in the start gate, engage the loop and push the button to launch. You can use the diverters and switches to send your cars in different directions.

Expansion is easy. You can add the Wall Tracks Power Tower Track Set , Daredevil Curve and other stunt sets with ease. Just follow the instructions and expand the fun.

More about play

6 Ways to teach during play
6 Great toys for preschool boys
Educational alternatives to annoying toys

If you have a bun in the oven with a due date in November, you should consider a Thanksgiving inspired baby name. After all, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reconnect with friends and family and to be thankful for the blessings in life. Check out these Thanksgiving inspired baby girl names and baby boy names perfect for your lil' pumpkin.

Native American baby names

In the Native American culture, names weren't given to children until they were older and they were chosen based on a significant event that happened in their young life. These names are not only unique, but have wonderful meanings. Check out our pick of Native American baby names:

Check out more Native American names here >>

Early American or pilgrim baby names

The very first Thanksgiving was a three-day feast with pilgrims and Native Americans celebrating a bountiful harvest. Check out these wonderful old-fashioned baby names from those early settlers.

Food and spice names

Why not let the wonderful food and spices of Thanksgiving inspire your baby name choices? Spices not only add flavor to your food, but they make spicy baby names as well. After all, sugar and spice and everything nice — that is what little girls are made of!

Ginger, Pepper, Barley, Cinnamon, Saffron, Rosemary or Sage would make a unique first or middle name for your baby. Gwyneth Paltrow named her daughter Apple, which we admit is quite unusual. However, names like Peach, Plum, Cherry or Pumpkin would make a cute name or nickname for your Thanksgiving baby.

Baby names that mean "thankful"

There are a handful of unique baby names that mean "thankful" — and what better way to be inspired by Thanksgiving? Baby girl names that mean "thankful" include the Egyptian name Jendayi and the African nameShakira, while boy names that mean "thankful" include the Old English name Jaden and the African name Zikomo.

Check out more baby names with Thanksgiving-inspired meanings:

• Thanos: Greek boy name meaning "noble"
• Jose: Spanish boy name meaning "may God give increase"
• Timothy: Greek boy name meaning "giving honor"
• Nedivah: Hebrew girl name meaning "giving"
• Basimah: Arabic name meaning "one who is giving a smile"
• Pensee: French girl name meaning "thoughtful"
  

Since Thanksgiving is a time for reconnecting with family, why not look at your family tree or talk to your grandparents for a family name that you can pass down to your child? This name would not only be meaningful, but would be a great family tradition.

More baby name ideas

Old-fashioned baby names: Classic and cultured
Traditional American baby names
Preppy baby names

What you'll need:

What you'll do:

Glue the two buttons to the paper tube to form the turkey's eyes.

Cut out a triangle from the orange construction paper and glue it beneath the eyes to form the turkey's beak. Then, cut out a squiggle from the red construction paper and glue it beneath the beak to form the gobbler.

Trace your child's hand on to a piece of construction paper. Use the cut out as a template to trace and cut out more hand shapes. You will need a total of six cut out handprints.

Glue three of the hand prints to the back of the paper tube to make the turkey's feathers.

Glue a second layer of hand prints to the back of the paper tube.

Cut two 2-inch sections of the pipe cleaner. Bend the pipe cleaner back and forth a couple of times to create the turkey's foot. Repeat for the second foot.

Use glue to attach the feet to the bottom of the paper tube.

More great kid crafts

Thanksgiving leaf wreath
4 Easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids
3 Fall crafts for kids