Thank you to all the LFPA helpers who ensured that Christmas lunch at Mead was a great success this year. The decorated tables, crackers, extra gifts and the chance to have lunch with staff meant it was a really special occasion!
Serving over 300 Christmas dinners in just 1.5hrs is quite an achievement. Well done to Janet and her crack team - ably supported by Mrs Keane's (Miss Silk) crazy dancing - for getting all the children fed.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that frequent family dining is associated with a greater ability to problem solve; more complex thinking; higher self-esteem and achievement; and lower rates of teen smoking, drinking & drug use.
Focusing on certain types of conversations—particularly narrative conversation, or the telling of stories—can be particularly helpful with children. Telling stories that allow them to express their thoughts and feelings, rather than just the facts, is associated with greater well-being.
And, too, parents should consider taking this opportunity to talk about their own childhood and family histories. The reason being, research shows that this makes children more resilient—they have a better capacity to bounce back from the slings and arrows that life can throw at each of us and better able to learn from challenges—while continuing to face issues with optimism.
Serving over 300 Christmas dinners in just 1.5hrs is quite an achievement. Well done to Janet and her crack team - ably supported by Mrs Keane's (Miss Silk) crazy dancing - for getting all the children fed.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that frequent family dining is associated with a greater ability to problem solve; more complex thinking; higher self-esteem and achievement; and lower rates of teen smoking, drinking & drug use.
Focusing on certain types of conversations—particularly narrative conversation, or the telling of stories—can be particularly helpful with children. Telling stories that allow them to express their thoughts and feelings, rather than just the facts, is associated with greater well-being.
And, too, parents should consider taking this opportunity to talk about their own childhood and family histories. The reason being, research shows that this makes children more resilient—they have a better capacity to bounce back from the slings and arrows that life can throw at each of us and better able to learn from challenges—while continuing to face issues with optimism.
So, make the most of the meal times this Christmas... good food and good company, what could be better?
