We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us have to admit that it is the most difficult one to get our kids to eat. In fact, there's a good chance we don't eat breakfast either. Funny how we expect our children to do something we ourselves don't do. I was guilty for a long time of not eating breakfast. I'm just not a morning person and the thought of eating upon waking made my stomach turn. It took until I was pregnant for the first time that I changed my ways. I learned, just as our children need to learn, that our bodies are in a state of "fasting" overnight. We haven't eaten since dinner the evening before, so we're talking 12 or more hours since we've eaten. It's crucial that we fuel our bodies and brains with protein first thing in the morning if we are to be at our best.
My son doesn't like to eat in the morning either. The fact that he doesn't like most breakfast foods makes it even more of a challenge. For us the key is to stock the fridge or freezer with choices he is willing to make. We strive for balance in his eating over the course of a week, so if we resort to hot pockets or waffles (even the multi-grain kind), then he will make up for that choice later in the day with fruit, vegetables, and other "good" carbohydrates.
Adding yogurt to breakfast is a good way to get much needed morning protein. Cereal with milk and a banana is also an easy way to get going, although cereal doesn't "stick" with you very long. Kids will be hungry again by mid morning.
During the summer experiment with different breakfast options. It may mean preparing something the night before or getting up earlier yourself to make sure your child gets what he needs for his first meal of the day. Look for nutrient-rich foods, color and variety. Offer your child choices; just make sure those choices are relatively good ones. And if you they're not the best choice, make up for the lack of real nutrients later in the day.
What makes it difficult for you to get your child to eat breakfast?
2 comments:
I have to admit, I've never had trouble getting my kids to eat breakfast! Maybe because in our house, breakfast has never been optional, it's just a way of life.
And by the way, an idea for your son who doesn't like breakfast foods... I heard about a book recently called something like "Eat Dinner for Breakfast" (or maybe something more clever like "Pork Chops for Breakfast" - sorry, I can't remember). Maybe it would be helpful to him.
I think that sometimes this is very difficult or kind of hard because kids are so hyperactive but well if you prepare something healthy that they like I think that breakfast time it's gonna turn more easy.
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