Dear all:

In thinking about "food is love", I flashed on one of those commercials (for some prepackaged heat up meal) that talks about the family meal.  We know that family eating patterns are usually healthier when the family sits down to a meal.  That means everyone together.  Part of the reason is that you eat slower and enjoy your food more when you are INTERACTING.  So, I've started to explain the socialization that starts in with babies and how the so-called distracted 3 month old that causes mothers to bring them into my clinic fearing that their baby isn't getting enough --- is actually a baby that is starting an age-appropriate developmental leap and becoming a social eater.  I have started saying we want them to turn into good dinner table companions who can interact while eating rather than stuffing the food down in five minutes.

So, the LOVE part is all the interaction that occurs while cooking, setting the table, sitting down and discussing the day -- and the food part is merely the thing that draws the family together.  If more people included babies and toddlers into adult eating, and that eating was made into an enjoyable environment,  I'm sure we would end up with a healthier population.  If more people included younger children into the process of preparing food, I'm sure we would end up with a healthier population. 

So, when I tell Dads about all the fun things they can do with their babies, including massage and bathing (not just diaper duty), I also explain that if still decide they are going to give a bottle, they should INTERACT with their baby while giving it.

Best, Susan

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