We’ve heard time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and it’s true. Breakfast has been shown to increase mental capacity and improve behavior, mood, and memory. Yet it can be difficult to make sure your child gets to school with a belly full of breakfast during the morning rush. Don’t give up. Whether you are short on time or dealing with a picky morning eater, here are some simple suggestions to make sure your child attends school well-nourished and ready to learn:
• Ask. Sometimes giving a child a choice about what they want for breakfast can make a world of difference. Offer a few options and see what they prefer.
• Drink Up. Some kids find it easier to drink their breakfast than eat it, so pull out your blender and whip up a quick and healthy breakfast smoothie. Bonus: Pour smoothie into a travel mug and you’ve got breakfast to go.
• Who doesn’t like pizza for breakfast? Healthy breakfast pizzas on English muffins are always a hit with kids. You can whip up a week’s worth of pizzas at a time and pop them in the oven or microwave for a quick morning meal.
• Scrap tradition. Some kids don’t eat breakfast because they don’t like traditional breakfast foods. Who says that breakfast has to be cereal and toast? Serve leftovers from last night’s meal instead.
• What does your school offer? Check to see if your child’s school has a breakfast program. Eating with peers is a great motivation for kids to eat breakfast.
