You might have heard from schools, other parents, or the media that feeding your children breakfast in the morning is important for better academic performance. But why is it such a crucial meal, and how does it affect the body?

There are a few reasons why feeding your kids breakfast before sending them to school is essential. After sleeping for around 8 to 12 hours, their body needs to be refueled and rehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning and eating a healthy meal gives children the energy they need to start their day. Breakfast can also help with managing body weight and increase focus and memory. Here are some reasons why eating a healthy breakfast can benefit your children.

Increased Energy

Kids who skip out on breakfast may tend to feel low-energy during mid-morning. They might seem fine at first, but with no fuel to burn, they’ll start feeling drained before their break or snack time. Generally, kids (and adults!) may seem more tired, irritable, or restless without food during those first few hours of their day.

However, feeding them healthy food is important to ensure they feel energized and not lethargic. Foods rich in carbohydrates or protein create a steady glucose supply as it is slowly digested, providing enough energy for the morning. On the other hand, junk food or unhealthy, sugary snacks lack nutrients and will actually make your child feel more tired than energized and potentially lead to obesity.

Better Focus & Performance

The right breakfast can enhance your child’s ability to concentrate and learn at school. Many of us were told growing up to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before taking an important exam, but the same is true for any day of the week.

Breakfast can affect a child’s attention span, memory, and executive function. Studies also showed that children who regularly ate breakfast before school performed better academically. These students also showed less off-task behaviors in the classroom.

Manage Weight & Activity

Eating breakfast starts your metabolism for the day and turns the food you eat into energy. That means you start burning calories sooner and continue processing food until late at night. Kids who start the day with more energy from breakfast are likelier to be more active and overeat less at other meals.

However, it’s important to feed your kids healthy meals and avoid greasy or unhealthy foods to maintain their weight and energy levels.

What to Do When Kids Don’t Want to Eat

Sometimes, kids don’t feel hungry first thing in the morning, or they may not like eating breakfast foods. Even if they refuse a full meal, try to get them to eat something, even if it’s small. You can pack them a kid-friendly protein shake with low-fat milk, fruit like a banana, a smoothie, or a low-sugar granola bar. Make sure it’s nutritious so their body starts moving with good vitamins and enough carbohydrates to burn.

If they still refuse to eat, have a talk with them about some other options they can come up with, such as compromising on the type of breakfast food or taking something quick on the go that they can snack on in the car or while they wait for school to start.  

Healthy Breakfast Options for Kids

As important as it is to feed your child breakfast in the morning, it’s even more significant that the meal is healthy and nutritious. The meal needs enough carbohydrates and protein to last your child until lunchtime.

Here are some kid-friendly options to consider:

  • Low-sugar whole grain cereals with low-fat milk and fruit
  • Oatmeal with fruit or nuts
  • Whole-grain bagel with peanut butter and fresh fruit
  • Smoothie with low-fat milk or yogurt and fruit and nuts
  • Vegetable omelet with toast
  • Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole-wheat bread
  • Hardboiled or fried eggs
  • Quesadilla with reduced-fat shredded cheese
  • Low-sugar yogurt
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt
  • Avocados on whole-wheat toast with tomatoes

No matter the meal, prepare a balanced breakfast containing carbohydrates, protein, and healthy vitamins or fats.

When You’re Too Busy to Cook Breakfast

Many families may be too busy in the mornings getting the kids ready and dressed on time while preparing for work. If that’s your situation, there are a few ways you can make enough time for a quick meal or take it on the go.

You might be used to prepping lunches the night before, but you can also prep breakfast for the next day. Chop up and pack fruits and veggies so you can quickly grab them before heading out the door, fill up bags of cereal or trail mix to take with you, or cook oatmeal in a slow cooker so it’s ready to eat in the morning.

You can also prepare hardboiled eggs or smoothies, so you don’t have to think about preparing those during the morning rush. If possible, waking up 10-15 minutes earlier to eat breakfast with your kids can also create a healthy routine for your whole family.