W E L L B E I N G
HEALTHY BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR KIDS From fussy eaters to the morning rush, we dive into the challenges of managing a healthy family breakfast, so your kids can be set up for a great day ahead!
Breakfast can be a tricky meal to get right as a parent. The start of the day may have you under pressure, perhaps trying to get everyone up, get out the door to work or just juggle the daily demands of busy family life. Younger children are sometimes fussy about what food they’re willing to have. Older children and teens may prioritise getting their outfit right, doing their hair or generally getting ready for the day, using their morning for this instead of eating breakfast. There are also plenty of kids who simply don’t feel that hungry when they wake up and this is a common struggle for 16 | JUNE 2022 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
many parents. All these various factors can result in rushed breakfasts or skipping food altogether, setting children up for rumbling stomachs, irritability and poorer focus during the day.
IMPORTANCE OF BREAKFAST When we sleep, our bodies go into a fasted state. Children sleep more than adults, usually somewhere between 8 and 10 hours per night. On top of this, kids tend to have quicker metabolisms than grown ups, burning through calories and energy
reserves at a much faster rate as they develop mentally and physically. Essentially, this means it is extra important for children to fuel their brains and bodies and kick their systems into action by eating breakfast after such a long period without food.
BENEFITS OF BREAKFAST While it can be a challenge to get kids fueled in good time for school, childcare, or a full day of play, there are certainly many benefits! Research indicates that children who eat breakfast are more likely to stay
