The school doors are wide open once again, inviting us to gather in the circle of community and step into a new world of knowledge and emotional experiences. The first steps in this space, where learning and friendship go hand in hand, are often filled with anticipation, hesitation, and a touch of fear. Yet a successful start at school is not only the beginning of learning – it is also an opportunity to discover oneself and to develop qualities that will last a lifetime. And even food can contribute to a smooth beginning. This is the topic discussed at the café Take A Break, where the “Erudito” Lyceum Parents’ Club met with chef Gian Luca Demarco and his wife Eglė.

Emotions and Food: When Do We Crave Something Sweet?

The day begins with a morning full of emotions. Breakfast? And more than that. “When we are happy, food often tastes better,” says chef Gian Luca Demarco. “This positive emotion can enhance our sense of taste, allowing us to enjoy even the simplest dishes. On the other hand, when we feel sad or stressed, food may seem tasteless or unappealing, as our emotional state blocks our ability to fully enjoy flavors.” If you’re angry, everything may taste salty; if you’re tense, sourness becomes more pronounced. That’s why, at the start of the school year, Gian Luca recommends that both children and adults enjoy a little sweet and colorful food. “It brings more warmth and coziness to the eyes and taste buds.” At the same time, serotonin – the “happiness hormone” – increases in the body. This chemical compound boosts mood and helps us feel calmer and happier. Thus, the taste of food is an inseparable part of our emotional state, something that should be considered both in cooking and in our daily eating habits.

The chef points out that it is meaningful to focus on food, its taste and texture, because by eating calmly and mindfully, we can temporarily forget our problems or tension. However, while food may bring short-term relief to our emotional state, in the long run it does not solve the real causes of stress. That is why it is important to pay attention to healthy ways of managing emotions and stress.

The 4 Essential Needs: How to Meet Them Properly?

Every morning, as the school doors open, people with different experiences come together under one roof: students, teachers, administrators, and families. What can be done to ensure that the pillars of community stand firm and the “roof” remains steady? “We all need to understand and agree on the purpose of why we are here together. If we seek the common good, then instead of bringing frustrations, disappointments, or anger from elsewhere into school—where the environment is sensitive and full of diverse dynamics—we should focus on building unity. Each of us walks around with an invisible sign that says, ‘I am important.’ When you recognize this, you begin to understand that every person you meet carries their own story, which may not always be successful or happy,” says Jurgita Steponaitienė, primary teacher and coordinator of the Erudito Lyceum Parents’ Club.


So, what can be done? “It’s enough to start by knowing how to respond to four basic human needs, which remain the same at all ages and are independent of professional status.


The first is ‘I am important’ – feeling heard, understood, and part of a team. This is a deep human need: to know that one’s presence, actions, and feelings matter. It gives meaning to relationships and helps find our place in the world, where each of us seeks recognition and respect.


The second is ‘I can’ – others believe in me, allow me to act, and I am capable of overcoming challenges, acting independently, and achieving goals. This need is the driving force behind personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of meaning in everyday life.


The third is ‘I am valuable’ – letting those around you know that they are valuable simply because they exist. This is a fundamental need: to feel worthy regardless of circumstances or others’ opinions. It provides inner strength and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness and qualities matter, and that every person is priceless by their very being.


The fourth is ‘I dare’ – being able to say what doesn’t feel right while maintaining politeness and tact. It means having the ability to say “no” without hurting others, while respecting both your own and others’ boundaries. These are the moments when a person reveals themselves, their limitations, and imperfections, and receives encouragement from others. To dare is to act courageously even when the outcome is uncertain—opening doors to new opportunities and allowing us to discover our true potential. Only by daring can we step into the world with trust and faith in ourselves.”

According to J. Steponaitienė, politeness is an essential part of human relationships. “It helps build respect, trust, and understanding between people. Politeness shows that we acknowledge and value others’ feelings, opinions, and dignity. It is like a bridge that connects us with those around us, even when opinions differ. It is important to listen with our ears and to hear with our hearts. We must learn these basics from the cradle. It often takes so little—when we are irritated, tired, or angry—to choose peace instead of conflict, understanding instead of judgment, and a broader perspective instead of narrow views.”

For all of us, a smooth start to the school year should begin with a delicious cup of coffee or cocoa, a piece of chocolate, and the awareness that we are all equally important, valuable, capable, and courageous. “We must understand the true worth of politeness, because nothing is more valuable than kindness. It reflects our ability to be empathetic and to show another person that we care. It is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a warmer and friendlier world—one in which we can communicate and work together toward what we have set out to achieve,” concludes J. Steponaitienė.