It’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Countless studies have shown that people (and children) who eat breakfast are healthier and less prone to weight gain than those who don’t. Those are just a few of the many benefits of breakfast that we as mums hear about. However, you’re also told not to force your child if he or she doesn’t want to eat. It’s a classic catch 22 situation.
The truth is, it may not be as much about when your child eats as what he or she eats. Some children don’t like a heavy breakfast, and choosing something lighter may be the answer. Here are a few ideas:
Cold cereal with milk is always a good choice. Just make sure it’s high fibre and low sugar. Be sure to give your child whole fat milk at least until the age of two. You can then switch to low fat milk if you prefer.
Fruit or yogurt are two more light and easy breakfast choices.
A breakfast smoothie, with yogurt, fruit and even oats is another great light breakfast option.
Getting your child involved in breakfast preparation, whether it’s whisking eggs or choosing the fruit is another way to encourage your child to eat breakfast.
Don’t opt for convenient breakfasts though. They’re usually full of fat, sugar and refined carbs, and offer little more than empty calories. You should also remember that if you eat breakfast, your child is more likely to mimic you, so make the time to have breakfast with your child. Lastly, if you really can’t get your child to eat breakfast shortly after waking, put it in a breakfast bag and let your child eat it on the way to school or crèche.
