Thoughts for the Week:

For most of us, the giving and receiving of food is closely associated with the giving and receiving of love. That's not really surprising when you think that children's earliest experiences with nourishment are also among their first indications that someone cares for them. Mealtimes can take on a deep significance for children. And if they're separated from their parents at mealtimes, they may feel especially lonely because food may remind them of their parents' loving care. Helping children talk about those lonely feelings can be very helpful to them.