Experts agree that forcing your child to eat, at any time of the day, is not a good idea. However, while you should never force your child to eat, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, and you should certainly encourage your child to eat it!
It’s interesting to note that aside from all the health benefits of breakfast, studies at leading universities have shown that children who eat breakfast tend to behave better than those who don’t!
If your child doesn’t like to eat breakfast, or isn’t used to it, there are a few things you can try to make things a little easier:
Try something small. Many children can’t face a big breakfast at first, so try something light, like a few cubes of cheese, or some fruit.
Look for a cold children’s cereal that your child likes. Most are fortified with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients need, and if you choose a high fibre option, without too much sugar or salt, it can be a healthy start to the day.
Making your child a smoothie, with fruit, yogurt and even oats, can get around the problem of kids who don’t like to eat in the morning. Remember, whether your child eats, or drinks, his or her breakfast doesn’t matter – as long as they’re having it!
Choosing healthy foods that your child enjoys is always a good idea.
Setting a good example, by eating breakfast with your child, is one sure fire way to get your child eating breakfast. Remember that children love to mimic their parents, so if you want to encourage behaviour, you need to practice what you preach!
