Sharing Tea With Children

When you think of children and tea, does your mind immediately go to a tea party with tiny cups and a frilly teapot? While I'm a fan of adorable tea sets and could endlessly play tea party with my kids, I've enjoyed introducing them to what tea drinking actually is. When we share tea together we not only talk about the type of tea, the flavors we taste, but also where the tea originated, and how it was made.

Caffeine should be kept to a minimum with kids, it can have side effects and of course cause them to be a bit too hyperactive. But I have been known to let my children steal sips of my tea (sometimes rather large gulps). I think it's important to share my tea with them. There are a few reasons why:

--Tea allows children to get comfortable with interesting flavors, which will inspire them to keep trying new ones. My daughter now enjoys smelling and tasting new teas, and describing the flavors to me. It's a fun activity and it develops her palate. She's an adventurous eater and tea drinker. There isn't anything she won't try. The encouragement to try new flavors has opened her mind up to new things.

--Tea nurtures mindfulness: when we drink we observe the tea, consider how it tastes, and think about where it came from. This in turn helps children become more aware as they sip. I  hope this type of observation and mindfulness will slowly start to permeate other parts of their day.

--Tea promotes patience: Waiting for the water to boil and watching the tea as it steeps helps little ones realize everything takes time, and cannot be rushed. The water also must cool a bit before they can drink it.

--Tea expands the little tea drinker's knowledge of different areas and cultures of the world, where tea is grown, what cultures drink tea. We can look at a map together, see different parts of the world and understand how far away they are. How different cultures drink tea in different ways.

--Tea is an alternative to sugary drinks- rooibos and fruit/herb blends are good choices for kids. They are interesting, have no sugar, and can stimulate conversation. As they get older they can move onto pure teas, and hopefully have less interest in soda and other sugary beverages.

--Tea promotes and understanding of crop to cup- Children can learn how tea is picked, processed, and sent to a store. All of the people that may be involved in the process and how much effort went into one little cup.

--Tea carves out one-on-one time for the caregiver and child. A few moments to enjoy time being spent together.

Taking tea with my children is a way to bring tea happiness, and share something I love with my family.

How To Drink Tea Like a Jedi

My vintage Star Wars toys were trying to help with the tea. 

It's no secret that the newest Star Wars movie is now in theaters, and all my fellow geeks are freaking out. I haven't bought my tickets yet but I am a dedicated fan, I promise! I thought I'd try to prove it with my handy guide on how to drink tea like a Jedi.

I recently saw this picture posted online, and it inspired me to create tips that are a bit more realistic. Aren't you only supposed to use The Force when it's absolutely necessary? I don't think you need it to enjoy your cup of tea like a Jedi!

How To Drink Tea Like a Jedi:

Use patience: Take your time, and enjoy the tea. Experience the aroma, flavor, and texture. Visualize the flavors and how they work together. If while you are drinking your tea, your thoughts drift towards The Dark Side, do not give in to those feelings of anger! Let those feelings go and focus on the cup in front of you.

Resist fear: Go outside of your comfort zone and try a tea you're a bit hesitant about. Does that ripe puerh smell too much like a forest floor for your liking? Give it a try anyway. Expand your horizons and you'll be surprised at how many new teas you'll enjoy.

Focus on the Present: Clear your mind and enjoy your tea moment. Don't worry about the battles from long ago or the ones waiting around the corner. Mindfully prepare and drink your tea instead.

Do not form attachments to any one tea: Jedi aren't supposed to form bonds to any life forms, and the same goes for tea. Enjoy a wide variety of tea and don't get stuck drinking the same one day after day.

Feel The Force within the tea: Similar to focusing on the present, pay attention to how the tea affects your body as you sip.  Do you feel differently? Does your mood change? A Jedi must be tapped in to every sensation and feeling.

Fight for the Weak: Jedi believe all lives are precious and must be defended. Do your part by purchasing teas from companies that are working to help out those in need. Companies such as Ajiri Tea, Eco Cha, JusTea, and Young Mountain Tea are just a few to look into. Also, fight against weak tea!

Don't fall to the Dark Side: Ok, I like the idea of this one but I can't really use it, since darker teas are super delicious. Maybe just don't fall to the actual Dark Side.

I can see Yoda sipping his tea in this fashion, can't you?  Thanks for reading, and may The Force be with you!