When we think of nourishment we think of food. This plays a big role in family life! How can we make this a joyful part of our daily routine?
A good question to ask yourself is What do you enjoy about mealtimes? Some people enjoy cooking, others enjoy the artistic aspects of presentation of the food, or setting the table. Others enjoy being together socially and communicating. The monotony of having to prepare food constantly can be lifted by focusing on the aspects you enjoy about mealtimes.
In these more isolating times, family meals are even more important for us all, but especially for children. Often this is the only time in the day when all the members of the household are together. This is the time we model social skills such as conversation, gratitude or appreciation of one another, how to ask for what you need politely and respectfully, and of course sharing. It makes a difference whether everyone eats the same food or not. A powerful daily example of generosity and sharing is presented when you serve each person at the table from a central dish. In Western culture it is traditional for each person to have their own bowl or plate and eat from this. This is a boundary or a cultural norm that children gradually learn. When I see a three year old insist on eating from her mother’s bowl I ask myself how the child is experiencing herself – is she feeling separate or connected? (The process of separation is vital for the child to build her own sense of self and can often be seen strongly around three years old.)
We can also look at the taking in of nourishment (eating and drinking) as being a process of feeling hunger/thirst and satisfaction. When we are hungry, for instance, we feel something is missing and we having a longing for food. When we are out of balance and eat too much or snack all the time we never give any space to hunger. On the other hand, if we deny ourself food (eg. anorexia) we are never give any space for the satisfaction that we can experience after eating. In the same way we can say we have
digestion rest digestion
What do we do with this rest or between times? It is the time for outer activity, for being in the world. It’s good for our bodies to long for something!
We also considered some of what we eat from the point of view of the plant’s relationship to earth and sky. For instance, fruit grows typically in the light, near the sky. It is usually fertilized by bees and has an airy, sun quality. There is a richness to the colors of fruit; and the juicy sweet flesh is best eaten when uncooked, and sun-ripened.
Some vegetables grow as roots, some as leaves, some as stems and some as fruits. The root vegetables grow beneath the earth and are a good compliment to our thinking processes. The green leaves drink in the sunlight and work their magic through the process of photosynthesis. Often children will be happy to nibble on a green leaf here and there if you are fortunate enough to have a garden and grow vegetables of your own. When we tend to the earth, the plants and the animals children readily respond to our loving attention and are usually more open to healthy eating!
In Waldorf kindergartens often the children will eat grains such as rice. Why? Grains are part of the grass family. Grass covers the earth and brings both protection and nourishment. The roots tend to stay close to the surface and are not significantly strong. The leaves are narrow and often grow upright towards the sun. The stem is singular and the plant quickly moves from stem to flower to seed. In fact you could say that the plant concentrates all its efforts in creating the seed or grain. Grains are rich in energy, they have complex proteins, contain oils etc. However, one of the most remarkable thing about this family of foods is that there is often a surplus of seeds – not all of the grains are needed for next year’s crop. In this way you could say there is an abundance. Rudolf Steiner suggests something further
Biodynamic farming considers both the earth and sky when tending to the land, the plants and the animals. Crops are sown, transplanted or harvested in relation to the phases of the moon and the activity of the planets and seasons. Plants and animals are considered as having unique characteristics that might compliment a process or enhance the soil. So biodynamic farmers use “preparations” made from plants etc. that act as healing medicine for the earth.
Having rituals such as a blessing before the meal and asking to be excused at the end, are good “bookends” that lend a sense of predictability and security to children.
Mealtimes and eating is one of the ways children feel they can control their lives (the other areas are sleep and toileting). It can feel like a struggle as they slowly find their way into our expectations and social norms. But it will happen! Remembering to hold on to aspects that you enjoy can help to ease the stress!