The Best Conversation Starters for Thanksgiving Dinner

While Thanksgiving is a joyous occasion, it can sometimes be difficult to start conversation that includes children. And let’s be honest, sometimes the subject can turn sour or get heated at the adult table.

At my house, we go around the dinner table and state what we are grateful for. It is a beautiful way to start the meal positively and set the tone for the rest of the dinner conversation. But, it can also be intimidating for children or even quiet adults like myself. It puts pressure on you to say something exceptional and heart-warming. So, instead of asking, “What are you grateful for?” You can ask kids something a little more specific to ease the pressure. Such as one of these:

Thanksgiving Dinner Conversation Starters

Thankful for My Pet

1. What is one thing your pet does that makes you happy?
2. What is the best thing about having a pet?
3. For Young Children: Do you have any pets? What are their names? Do you love to snuggle with them?”

Thankful for the Food

1. What is your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal? (turkey, stuffing, pickles, etc).
2. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
3. For Young Children: What would you like to eat most?

Thankful for My Home

1. What would you say is your favorite room in the house and why?
2. What would you do if you had no tv?
3. For Young Children: Where do you play in your house?

Thankful for My Body

1. What is your favorite part of your body?
2. What is one skill you have that you are proud of?
3. For Young Children: What good things do you do with your mouth?

Thankful for Friends

1. Did anyone do something special for you this year?
2. Name someone you trust and why.
3. For Young Children: Who is your best friend? Why are they your best friend?

Thankful for Family

1. What tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
2. What is your favorite thing to do with your siblings?
3. For Young Children: How many hugs do you get every day?

Thankful for Nature

1. What is your favorite thing about fall?
2. If you were stranded in the desert and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
3. For Young Children: Where is the best place to play outside?

Or keep it general: When did you smile last? What happened?

I hope you enjoy these Thanksgiving dinner conversation starters! Let me know what you think of them in the comments.

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• Best Unique Thanksgiving Riddles for Kids
• Fantastic Late Fall Activities to do with Your Kids

This post was proofread by Grammarly