It’s that time of year when we’re bombarded with information on how to prepare a healthy, Pinterest-worthy breakfast for our kids, but very few of us have the time and energy to put together such a masterpiece first thing in the morning. When you’re up against the clock with one or more tired, grumpy kids who are in danger of missing the school bus, it’s so tempting to reach for the sugary cereal. But please, don’t! Here are five easy tips to ensure there’s a healthy breakfast on the table with minimal effort:
1. Be prepared
Avoid an early-morning panic and make it easy on yourself – take five minutes the night before to get prepared. Get the blender out if you’re going to make a smoothie, or prepare the pancake batter and leave it in the fridge.
2. Change it up
Try a different flavor or style of bread or yoghurt every once in a while, or present your food in a different way, as kids get bored easily. Use cookie cutters to make shapes from your toast or pancakes or cut and prepare fruit kebabs in advance rather than just leaving the fruit basket on the table.
3. Less is more
Life in miniature is always more exciting for kids, so buy or make mini-sized breads, croissants, or muffins, and search out sectioned plates or trays (or make your own with cupcake liners in a lunchbox). Mine like to choose from a variety of chopped fruit and nuts presented in muffin trays to top their own yoghurt, and will drink smoothies from small glass jars rather an overwhelmingly sized cup.
4. Leftovers can be a life saver!
We’re not talking remnants of greasy take-away, but the leftovers of a nutritious meal that can be repurposed. A side dish of vegetables can become the filling for an omelet, fruit crumble can be served with yoghurt rather than ice cream, and so what if they choose to eat noodles or dumplings for breakfast, we’re in China!
5. The test of time
Easier said than done, but try not to pressure your kids or turn breakfast time into a battle with constant time checks. After all, nothing kills the appetite like someone standing over you saying, “Hurry up, hurry up.” Chances are you have to walk to the bus stop or school, and you can eat on the run if you have to.
Anything to add? What are your top tips?
[Images via HealthyKids.com]
