Amelia making the cereal

Amelia making maple cream for Apple Muesli

Yummy breakfast!

“As is the mother, so is her daughter”

- Ezekiel 16:4

It’s almost Mothers day, and it reminds me of times when I was little and my mom and I would play in the kitchen, baking and preparing meals. Growing up, we ate a lot of soups, big salads, casseroles (my mom is a good ol’ American Baby Boomer) and tons of fresh fruit.  My mother and I found our time together in the kitchen to be the most joyful bonding experience ever. As I grew up and life had it’s wonderful twists and turns, my greatest memories of my childhood was going to produce stands, farmers markets, and creating around food. Who knew that years later, the simple joy of being a kid would transcend into my greatest joy in life- going to markets and preparing lovingly nutritious meals.

“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom”.

-Henry Ward Beecher, US Congressional clergyman

It is no secret that children learn through imitating behavior from their parents. ” Incidental learning at home also influences how a child performs at school”, Dr. Spock had noted.  For example, if you want a child to love reading, then read with them.  If you want them to enjoy playing outdoors, then spend quality time with them in the great outdoors. If you want them to learn to prepare and enjoy eating healthy food, then spend time having fun in the kitchen and load your counters with fresh produce.

This week a lovely woman from Tacoma ,Washington sent me photos of her beautiful daughter in the kitchen lovingly preparing recipes from my book Get Naked Fast.  I shed a little nostalgic tear as I remembered the sweet tenderness of my own childhood.

“Anyone who doesn’t miss the past never had a mother”.

- Gregory Nunn

The role of the mother is paramount in the child’s emotional development.  The forming of a bond, or attachment with the mother/primary caregiver is of extreme importance for later development.  Meal time can be an opportunity to build and brighten the bond. Time in the kitchen may create a stronger, happier family environment.

“Children of all ages can learn to plan meals. If they help choose and plan some of the family’s meals, it will foster a healthy sense of pride and accomplishment for them. It also gives parents a chance to incorporate nutrition advice and to witness their child’s intriguing thought processes.”

- Dianna Griffis

Shopping together is an excellent time to talk about the day.  Casual conversation flows through children when they are in a comfortable environment, usually performing some activity.  Making a list together and then strategizing your game plan through the market’s grocery isles can become a playful and joyful experience to share. This not only strengthens the mother/child connection, but teaches the child that domestic chores are a joyful part of life.

Smells are closely related to memories. In a July 5th 2001 ABC Science article, “Smells and Memory 2,” Karl S. Kruszelnicki reports that smells make great triggers for memories. Many people can smell a food and instantly be taken back to their childhood. Cooking with children can help form these memories that will be a comfort later in life.

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself”

-Nancy Friday

My mom and I on her land in Oregon.

My mother is still an inspiration to me, she is a woman of strength and substance.  She plays in nature, with her hands in the dirt,  creates love and life in her beautiful garden and amazing orchard.  She is a master in her craft and lives her dream atop a 5 acre hillside she created.  She bears fruits, and berries and vegetables all year long, and has become the woman I aspire too.   Happy Mothers Day , MOM!  I Love you!