Food

March 24th 2026

I think we all agreed that starting your little ones on solids can be intimidating but those of you who have started the process are doing so well and it sounds like they are thriving. Having the knowledge of first aid around choking vs gagging is so supportive and following your child's lead as they show an interest in the whole process around feeding. Here are a few points to bear in mind;

Avoid starting foods before 6 months but if they are showing interest they can come to the table with you and you can start to offer a small spoon to start handling.
Prepare yourselves for this transition as your child makes their first step towards self feeding. This can bring up feelings of loss for some Mums but remember you are helping them to be the best versions of themselves.
Be aware of any phobias, likes or dislikes you may have around food yourself and remember your child is a clean slate with their own needs meaning you cannot know their true wants. Your role is to provide the nutritional choices, safe space and time, the rest is up to them.
Introducing a glass with weaning. This can have a small amount of milk in it or from 6 months old you can start offering small amounts of water to practice the skill of using a cup.
Be aware of their bowel movements as they increase solids as there will be changes and you want to be mindful of constipation. Bowels open less than three times a week is not enough and more than three times a day is too much generally as a rule.
Don't forget to enjoy the process!

THIS WEEK: Observe Joy

What is joy and where do you find it in your life? The Oxford dictionary defines it as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. No doubt you have had this sensation many times since your little ones came into your lives but equally it can be lost with all the “doing”.A lovely practice in Montessori is to “find joy”. Maybe this week you can try observing joy in your child, yourself and others;What makes them smile or laugh?How do they respond to others or new situations?If there are no signs of joy can you identify any changes that may be affecting them?Remember joy doesn't have to be a big emotion or display, it might be a peacefulness or twinkle of the eye.What gives you joy and how can you find it in your day?

Recipe: Sourdough Shortbread

Courtesy of Foragers of HappinessIngredients;227g unsalted butter, 134g granulated sugar, 84g sourdough discard, 4g vanilla extract, 6g salt, 337g flourMethod:Cream butter and sugar until pale in colour.Add sourdough discard, salt and vanilla until fully combined.Slowly fold in flour.Transfer dough to the work surface and use your hands to shape and roll into a 30cm log.Cut the dough in half, wrap in plastic and chill for an hour or place in the freezer for another day.When ready to bake preheat oven to 190cUsing a sharp knife slice log into 5mm slices and arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet.Bake for 12-15 mins and then allow to cool on a wire rack for 5mins.