School-day mornings can be tough enough without having to figure out a nutritious, filling breakfast for everyone. Between busy family schedules, limited time, and kids who aren't always hungry first thing in the morning, it's easy to grab whatever is quickest or skip breakfast altogether.
The simplest solution is to plan ahead. Keep a few breakfast options ready to grab, such as overnight oats, make-ahead breakfasts, foods that reheat quickly, or drinkable options like smoothies. You can also make extra portions on the weekend so you have breakfast ready for another morning.
And don't feel like breakfast prep has to be all on you. Get the family involved! Kids can help put together their own breakfast bowls or sandwiches with a variety of toppings and spreads, or help choose what make-ahead breakfasts you'd like to have ready for the week.
And remember, breakfast doesn't have to be complicated to be nutritious and filling. Simple options like yogurt with granola, toast with nut butter, fruit, or a smoothie can be enough to get something healthy into your kids before they head out the door.
If you have kids like mine, they may go all day without eating anything particularly nutritious, so getting a healthy breakfast in them is even more important. My boys would sometimes go all day without even eating a snack and come home starving. Their growing bodies and busy brains need fuel to get through the day.
Here are two common challenges parents face on school mornings, and ideas for how to solve them:
There's Not Enough Time to Make Breakfast!
Yes, we could get up earlier, but come on! We all know that's easier said than done. Here are some more realistic ways to have breakfast ready when you need it:
- Make breakfast ahead of time. When you have the time, make extra pancakes, waffles, or French toast to keep on hand for busy mornings. Store them in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze extras to last longer. Then breakfast is ready before your kids can say, "Where are my shoes?" Grab them cold or warm them in the toaster or oven while you're getting ready.
- Wake up to the smell of breakfast. Let your slow cooker do the work overnight with a batch of overnight oatmeal that's ready when you wake up. It's a great option for mornings when you know you'll be short on time.
- Stock up on grab-and-go options. Some mornings there simply isn't time to cook or even warm something up. Keep a few nutritious favorites ready to grab, such as yogurt, energy or granola bars, fruit, cheese, muffins, hard-boiled eggs, or other foods your family enjoys.
- Think beyond breakfast foods. Breakfast doesn't have to mean eggs, cereal, pancakes, or toast. Leftover pasta, Chinese food, last night's dinner, or even half of yesterday's sandwich can make an easy breakfast when you're short on time. And don't forget about cold pizza!
Kids Aren't Hungry for Breakfast
Some kids aren't hungry first thing in the morning, while others may simply refuse to eat no matter what you offer. You can't force a child to eat, but sometimes a little nudge, positive reinforcement, and a few choices can help get the ball rolling.
🥤 Try a Smoothie
Who can say no to a yummy drink customized with their favorite flavors? A smoothie can be a tasty way to get something nutritious into them with less effort, especially when they're not in the mood to eat. Boost the nutrition with ingredients like Greek yogurt, nut butter, milk for extra protein.
Get creative and, better yet, get the kids involved. Let them choose the fruit and flavors and help blend it up. Kids are often more excited to eat or drink something they helped create. Short on time? Make the smoothie the night before so it's ready to grab in the morning.
Have some fun with it!
- Love chocolate? Add cacao powder.
- Chocolate and peanut butter fan? Add cacao powder and peanut butter for a rich, chocolatey smoothie.
- Want it green? Try a handful of greens or a little matcha.
- Want a colorful smoothie? Berries can make it red or purple.
- Like it sweet? Mango and pineapple make a naturally sweet combination.
Give Them Some Control
When you know breakfast is going to be a battle and you're met with "I'm not hungry" or simply a "No," take a different angle. Involve your child in the solution and give them some choices about how and when they'll eat.
Sometimes a little nudge is all they need. Instead of asking, "Are you hungry?" offer a few options: a smoothie, a bowl of cereal, a glass of milk, yogurt, or another breakfast favorite. Giving kids some control over what they eat can make breakfast feel less like a battle and empowers them to make better choices.
Offer choices:
- Eat now or take it for later? Let your child decide whether to have something before leaving or pack it for a snack later in the morning.
- Pick the place. Maybe breakfast goes better at the kitchen counter, on the couch, outside, in the car on the way or while walking to school rather than sitting at the table.
- Plan ahead. If mornings are consistently a struggle, talk about breakfast the night before. What sounds good tomorrow? What needs to be ready?
- Put them in charge. Depending on their age, let kids help plan breakfast for the next day or even the week. Give them a few nutritious ideas to get them started.
🍪 If You Give a Child a Cookie!
No, really! They don't need to know these are actually nutritious breakfast treats. Breakfast cookies and energy balls can be a fun option for kids who aren't interested in a traditional breakfast, and they're easy to make ahead and grab on the way out the door.
- Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie
- On-the-Go Breakfast COOKIES!
- No-Bake Peanut Butter, Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Or create your own.
Try out these tips to see if any of them help make your mornings a little easier. Now if we could only get the kids out of the house on time!
Looking for more easy breakfast ideas?
Try these recipes from Macaroni KID Conejo Valley – Malibu – Calabasas::
- Easy Egg Muffins for Busy School Mornings
- Green Smoothie Kids will Love
- This Delicious Orange Creamsicle Smoothie is Sunshine in a Glass
- Banana Blueberry Muffins for Your Family
- Banana Chia Chocolate Chip Muffins You Can Make for your Family
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