Food is at the core of every stage of human development. From early on, an infant begins to associate the relief from hunger with the person who brought the food. Relationships and food become intertwined. Out of that consistent caring feeding experience grows trust, hope, and a belief that the world is a caring and reliable place.

Of course, we can't offer food through the television set. But you can, and whether you're providing a healthy snack, a meal, or involving the children in cooking, you're doing something that is nourishing as well as nurturing. Through the loving way you offer food or a food activity, you're reinforcing children's good feelings about the people who care for them. And it's through relationships that we all grow and learn best.

Learning Through Cooking

When children cook with you, they're learning so many things. For example, they learn about nutrition, and they are introduced to new healthy foods. Just watching you read a recipe lets children know that literacy skills are valuable. They also learn about math when they are measuring and counting, and they experience scientific concepts like process and change. While they're measuring, pouring and stirring, children also develop fine motor skills. They gain in social skills, too. For example, when children work together on a recipe, they practice cooperating and taking turns. For other recipes, children work independently, gaining a sense of independence, pride, responsibility, and self-esteem. And, when you cook a variety of ethnic foods, children have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate other cultures.

Some Reminders:

• Keep cleanliness and sanitary food-handling in mind. It is important for you and the children to wash hands thoroughly before handling foods.
• Establish clear rules about safety, like not touching something that's hot. Children need to know that some things can be done by adults but not by the children.

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