Smell & taste

INTERCULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND HOW THEY CAN LEAD TO PARENT-EDUCATOR PARTNERSHIP CHALLENGES

If the family has lived in another country or has been using traditional furniture, washing powder, foods and herbs at home for the child’s whole life, what he or she has been exposed to will have a different smell and taste from those which will be experienced in kindergarten. Children often rely on their senses to explore and experience the world. Being surrounded by different smells when starting kindergarten intensifies the overall new experience.  

Children might feel more out of place due to these different smells or because they are missing specific smells associated with certain situations. Sometimes kindergartens use fragrances to support easy breathing during the cold season. Although scientifically approved, it can be extremely confusing for a child who is not used to this. The child will then probably be more fretful instead of relaxed.