It's Tween Tuesday! Liz Atwood talks Thanksgiving: 

Thankgsiving is upon us, and no matter how much we’d like our gatherings to look like something from a Norman Rockwell painting, they rarely do.

Something usually goes wrong with at least one of the dishes on the menu. (For me, it’s usually the gravy that turns out too thin, too thick or too greasy, despite many years of trying).

Many times there are issues that can arise in family relationships— crazy aunts and fuming inlaws or cranky grandparents. And let’s not forget the unpredictable tween.

Lapses in manners that might have been forgiven when they were younger are now not so cute or understandable. And behavior that might have been tolerated at the children's table is not acceptable when they move to the grown-up table.

Although I try to re-inforce good table manners every day, when the holidays come around, I feel a need to remind my boys to remember to say “Please” and “Thank you,” to chew with their mouths closed and swallow any complaints about the food. When we sit down to eat with relatives we rarely see, I’m always on edge, thinking my parenting skills are on display, not only with what I say and do, but in how my children act.

This Thursday, we will be dining with just close family members, so I don’t have as much to worry about. But Christmas is just around the corner and that will bring together a much bigger crowd. I think I’ll use this week as a practice run up to the big holiday.

What’s your strategy for getting your kids ready for company? Does your tween dine at the children's table, or with the grown-ups?