For the Love of Rituals

This post was written by Tot Team member, Jennifer Brott, RHN

ritual noun  /ˈrɪtʃ.u.əl/

a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly, especially as part of a ceremony.

• Cambridge Dictionary 

As a caregiver, our number one priority is to help our children feel safe and loved. When they are six months or older, creating a tea ritual with them is a great way to just that.  When shared regularly, family rituals give you and your children a sense of security, identity, and belonging and can help children feel safe during uncertain or changing times. They have even been shown to increase self esteem. 

The Tot Tea herbal tea collections are so much more than a beverage. They offer a delightful aroma, a taste that tantalizes the tongue, and a soothing ritual to calm your little one(s). What better way to take a pause in your day than by sharing a warm cup of tea with your child? It encourages us all to slow down and savour the moment with the additional therapeutic benefits of chamomile. 

Tea is an easy way of giving your child hydration that is safe and healthy for them. Have fun involving your child with the preparation safely. Here are some prompts for a conversation with your child around tea: 

Make Your Ritual a Daily Routine

Choose your tea based on the time of day. Wake up to a bowl of porridge or smoothie and use the Soothing Ritual as your liquid ingredient and enjoy a mild peach flavour. Throughout the day, know you have the Calming Ritual as a tool to use for its therapeutic benefits like calming an upset tummy or mild pain. I like serving this one at warm or at room temperature with a bit of honey. In the evening, offer the Bedtime Ritual in their favourite cup to encourage relaxation and gently end the day. The tranquilizing aroma of lavender in this blend is wonderfully soothing and pairs well with a bedtime story. It also makes a great popsicle flavour for those old enough to enjoy a frozen treat. 

 How to Start a Tea Ritual 

Sharing a cup of tea with your child offers a ritual you can both look forward to. Creating health focused rituals with your young family leads to healthy habits to last a lifetime. There are three simple steps to starting this tradition in your home. 

Step One: Pick a time in the day that serves you and your child.

This can be a daily, weekly, or special occasion activity. (High-tea celebration, anyone?) The more consistent you are, the more you’ll remember to schedule it into your day, and the more your child will know what to expect.

Step Two: Make it special.

We like to set up a picnic blanket for our tea dates at home. Being consistent with the location takes team time to the next level. A fort, the patio, and, of course, the kitchen table make for great memories. Fun infusers, special mugs, and their favourite tea-time snack take it to the next level!

Step Three: Brew the tea together.

There are many “jobs” to do. Delegate who measures, scoops, and chooses the cups while you take care of the hot water.  The most important part is sharing the time together. Being fully present and engaged in the activity is key.  And you just never know, a simple cup of tea may very well become the highlight of your day.

Author

Jennifer Brott is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist with a passion for children’s health as a mother of two. Please check out Jennifer's site - My Edible Advice. 

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a health care provider.  Consultation with a licensed primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

References