Food plays a crucial role in our lives, enabling us to refuel our bodies so they work efficiently. For certain periods of the day, therefore, we concentrate on preparing and consuming it.
Eating is also a social experience valued in all religions and societies.
It is an opportunity to sit together, share ideas and thoughts, and reflect on the events of the day. From the moment babies sit up independently they should be initiated into the rituals of sharing mealtimes with adults and other children.
Early years practitioners in day nurseries and childminders have a very important part to play in involving children in these rituals and in supporting parents and families to value eating together.
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