The Month of Mixed Messages
November is the month where pumpkins rot on porches while Christmas lights sneak onto rooftops. It’s the season of “No, you can’t wear shorts” and “Yes, you still have to go outside.” For parents, it’s a whirlwind of shifting moods, weather tantrums, and the annual battle over screen time vs. snuggle time.
But what if November wasn’t just the prelude to December chaos? What if it became the month where we leaned into the “No” and found the “Yes” hiding underneath?
“No, You Can’t Eat Halloween Candy for Breakfast” (But Yes, You Can Make Gratitude Pancakes)
Turn post-Halloween sugar crashes into teachable moments. Create a “Gratitude Breakfast” tradition where each pancake gets a topping based on something your child is thankful for. Chocolate chips for friends, bananas for books, whipped cream for warm beds. It’s messy, meaningful, and delicious.
Activity Idea
Make a “Thankful Menu” where kids design breakfast based on what they’re grateful for. Bonus points if they serve it to you in bed.
“No, We’re Not Buying That Toy” (But Yes, We Can Make One Together)
November is budget season for many families, but creativity doesn’t cost a dime. Use cardboard boxes, leftover Halloween costumes, and your child’s wild imagination to create DIY toys, games, or even a gratitude-themed puppet show.
Multicultural Twist
Invite kids to create puppets that represent values from different cultures—kindness from Portugal, resilience from Canada, joy from Brazil (pick a country and culture that interests your family). Let them perform a “Thankfulness Tour” across imaginary countries.
“No More Screen Time” (But Yes to Cozy Story Time)
As the days get darker, the temptation to zone out grows stronger. Replace screen time with “Cozy Capsules”—blanket forts filled with books, flashlights, and warm drinks. Read stories that highlight compassion, justice, and hope. Let your child be the narrator, the sound effects master, or the snuggle supervisor.
Book Suggestion
Choose stories that reflect your family’s heritage or values. Portuguese folktales, Canadian Indigenous legends, or bilingual picture books can spark meaningful conversations.
“No, You Can’t Skip Chores” (But Yes, You Can Be the Gratitude Elf)
Transform chores into acts of service. Introduce the “Gratitude Elf” role—each day, one child secretly does something kind for a family member. Leave clues, notes, or tiny treats. It builds responsibility, empathy, and a little holiday magic before December even begins.
Parenting Tip
Use this time to teach emotional resilience. Talk about how doing things for others—even when we don’t feel like it—can shift our mood and strengthen our hearts.
November Is a Mood—and That’s Okay
Parenting in November is like trying to hug a porcupine in a snowstorm. It’s prickly, unpredictable, and weirdly beautiful. By embracing the “No” moments and flipping them into “Yes” opportunities, we teach our kids that life isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
So grab your mismatched socks, your lukewarm coffee, and your gratitude pancakes. November’s calling—and it’s got a lot to say.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
