Mealtime is an important time to encourage communication. When we pay attention to children and encourage communication, we help children create a positive view of themselves and the world they live in.
A nutritious meal is of little value to a child if it is not eaten and enjoyed. It is one of our goals to serve meals in a relaxed, social atmosphere. We think of mealtime as a communication time, a time when we can converse with, nurture, and obtain feedback from children.
Children need adults to eat with them. When adults eat with children they can:
serve as role models by their food choices
protect children from safety hazards
encourage conversation
