Activity 1.4 | Considering your own understanding of children, families and educators

Have you had a family member drop in at lunchtime? 

It is time for the family to go home after the parents finish their studies. The parent feels safe and welcomed into the centre and assists their child by feeding them some of their lunch. The parent comes from a perspective that is very different from an educator’s point of view. 

When a parent comes into a centre wanting to support their child to eat at lunchtime, they build on the relationship between themselves and their child. This role of helping others has greater emphasis in many cultures than building on their own independence. Mealtimes are good opportunities to socialize and build relationships (Gonzalez-Mena, 1997).  

• What do you do or say to this parent? 
• What is the child’s response?
•  Based on past situations, Are you deciding how to support the family in this situation? 
• What is your program’s policy on parents feeding their children at the centre?