In a world that often rushes forward at breakneck speed, the timeless tradition of afternoon tea
offers a rare and beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect. Beyond its charm and elegance, this quintessentially English custom provides an ideal setting for teaching children valuable life lessons. Here are some of the profound benefits that afternoon tea imparts to young minds.
The Art of Conversation
Afternoon tea is a moment for dialogue, not distractions. In an era dominated by screens, sitting at a tea table encourages children to engage in meaningful conversations. They learn to listen attentively, express themselves thoughtfully, and appreciate the value of face-to-face interaction. These skills are foundational for building strong relationships throughout life.
Patience and Deliberation
Afternoon tea is not a hurried affair; it unfolds gracefully, one sip and one bite at a time. Children experience the joy of waiting for the teapot to steep, savoring each course in turn, and taking their time to enjoy the moment. This teaches them patience and the importance of being present—a lesson that contrasts sharply with the instant gratification culture they are often immersed in.
Manners and Etiquette
Afternoon tea provides a gentle and enjoyable introduction to manners and etiquette. From learning how to hold a teacup properly to understanding the polite way to serve others, children acquire social graces that will serve them well in any formal or informal setting. Practicing these small acts of courtesy fosters respect and consideration for others.
Appreciation for Ritual and Tradition
The ceremony of afternoon tea—the beautifully set table, the tiered trays of sandwiches and sweets, the ritual of pouring tea—introduces children to the importance of tradition. It shows them the beauty of creating special moments and the value of honoring customs that connect us to history and culture. When I was in London with my son I could not skip the opportunity to go to tea. As much as he was leary of sitting at the fancy table with the cute foods and pretty dishes he enjoyed the experience. We have had tea time at home since he was four and I can honestly say that he asked for it all the time when he was younger and actually enjoyed the "fanciness."
A Palette for Refinement
Children exposed to afternoon tea have the chance to explore new flavors and textures, from delicate cucumber sandwiches to buttery scones with clotted cream and jam. This experience can cultivate an adventurous palate and an appreciation for quality food, encouraging them to approach meals with curiosity and mindfulness. I make sure that even at home we try new teas (infusions) and foods often with our tea time. Why? It also helps them find new things they like and identify things that they really don't like. But I do encourage you to reintroduce things to your kids so they can develop a taste for new tastes when they are young. It will serve them well in life.
Mindfulness and Gratitude
Afternoon tea invites mindfulness—the act of being fully present. Children learn to focus on the sensory details: the aroma of freshly brewed tea, the vibrant colors of pastries, the soft clink of china. This attentiveness nurtures gratitude for the simple pleasures of life, helping them develop a positive outlook. They can also learn to be a gracious guest. What do they say to someone who has prepared a nice experience for them? If you don't like something do you blurt out how disgusting it is at the table? If for some reason you must remove something from your mouth, how do you do it? This all has to do with being mindful and a grateful guest.
Family Bonding and Connection
Perhaps most importantly, afternoon tea fosters togetherness. Sharing this ritual as a family creates cherished memories and strengthens bonds. It becomes a time to share stories, celebrate milestones, and simply enjoy each other’s company. It doesn't matter if you have boys or girls, they will love tea time, even if it is for the food. You will have uninterrupted time with each other chatting and enjoying each other's company.
Bringing Afternoon Tea to Life for Children
Introducing children to afternoon tea doesn’t have to be a grand affair. A simple setup at home with a few sandwiches, a teapot of herbal tea, and some biscuits (cookies) can be just as magical. Encourage them to help prepare the table, select their favorite treats, and participate in the rituals. For special occasions, a visit to a traditional tea room can provide a memorable experience. If there are non near you, youc an always plan your very own afternoon tea. There is an entire section about planning an Afternoon Tea in the book A Year of Poetry Tea Time. It walks you though everything you need to know and comes with a free Tea Time Planner download that covers everything from choosing a theme, menu, fanciness, tips on hosting it inexpensively, and more. It also has recipes to get you started with all the recipes reflecting the English afternoon tea tradition.
Afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it’s a life lesson. It teaches children patience, respect, gratitude, and the art of connection—qualities that are as timeless as the tradition itself. By embracing this practice, we not only preserve a cherished cultural custom but also nurture a generation equipped with values that will stand the test of time.
Buy your copy of A Year of Poetry Tea TIme on Amazon https://amzn.to/40uPy9c
Or buy it at ayearofpoetryteatime.com/shop
Comments