How to help kids eat breakfast!

From toddlers to teens, all children can benefit from eating something at breakfast time. I will admit during the week my girls are not great at eating breakfast but to be honest neither am I. From a better mood and concentration to balanced energy and body composition, eating a healthy breakfast has physical, emotional and academic benefits for children.

If you face a battle at breakfast time some ideas to help you out.

Give your child a choice between two healthy options so they will feel more in charge and you will know you are giving them a healthy start to the day as they head out to school. Everyone will be happy. They feel like they're in control and you because they're leaving the house with a good breakfast in their bellies. 

Get the breakfast habit. Make breakfast a non negotiable part of your morning routine, even if that means getting up 10 minutes earlier. Save time in the morning by getting organised the night before and even set the table and set out what you are going to eat.

Lead by example. Kids tend to mimic their parent’s behaviour, so setting a good example early on is very important to creating a good breakfast routine. If you’re rushing around trying to get ready while you leave them to eat breakfast, they are more likely to be distracted and less likely to eat.

If your child’s favourite breakfast is sugar-coated, try mixing 50/50 with a lower sugar alternative.

Offer smaller portions. If your child is not hungry, try smaller portions. Half a slice of toast instead of a full one or less cereal in the bowl. Something is better than nothing!

Eggs are a great source of protein which your child needs to grow and there are so many ways to serve them. Dippy eggs with toast, scrambled. poached or as an omelette packed full of veg.

For kids that don’t have a big appetite before school or are in a hurry offering a simple but tasty smoothie they can drink might be a win. Some kids find it easier to multi task, getting ready for school could be eaiser while they sip their smoothie. 

Getting kids involved in the kitchen can significantly improve their relationship with food. Have kids choose their breakfast when you are doing the food shop and get them to help prepare it.

Pancakes are not just for pancake day. They are simple to make in the morning and top them with fruit.

Chances are porridge was a go to when you started weaning your little one. And porridge is just as much of a hit when they are older too. Top that with fruit too!

Go to bed earlier. Some kids are so tired in the morning that they aren’t awake enough yet to feel hungry. Sometimes, the lack of breakfast eating is more of a sleep problem rather than an eating problem. 

How do you encourage your kids to eat breakfast?