How to kick off your children’s school day

As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of every day but it is often skipped because of time or one not feeling hungry. Breakfast does not only kick-start your metabolism but also feeds the body and brain and provides energy and stamina for the rest of the day. This is vital for every child in order to pay attention and work in class, do schoolwork and also to be able to participate fully in physical activities. Children who do not eat breakfast are often tired, irritable, restless and less focused. Kidspot has given a few ideas for creating on-the-go breakfasts that are also delicious.

A fresh fruit smoothie

Blend some fresh fruit, juice, yogurt and ice together to create a delicious nutritious meal on the go. You can play around with different flavours of fruits and yogurts depending on your child’s liking. You can even add some granola, dried fruit, nuts or honey to give the smoothie some extra flavour. This is an easy way to ensure your children get the necessary minerals and vitamins in before they start off their day.

A toasted sandwich

Not all children like fruit. In fact, some even feel disgusted by it. If your children fall in that category why not try to bribe them with a delicious toasted sandwich. Instead of the boring old toast, make a toasted sandwich with great fillings. Although some children would prefer the normal cheese and tomato, try giving them the option of other fillings such as banana, bacon, egg, fishfingers, avocado and mushrooms. This is a super easy on-the-go breakfast that your children can enjoy on the way to school.

Breakfast wrap or pita

While your children are getting dressed and ready for school, scramble a few eggs and grill some pieces of bacon that you can stuff in a wrap with some cheese. This is an easy way of ensuring a filling meal that they can eat on-the-go.

Add some bliss to cereal

Children can get quite bored of eating the same cereal day in and day out so why not try spicing it up with some toppings. Dried fruits, tinned fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, honey and syrup are all ingredients you can add to the cereal to give it just a little more of a twist.

A sweet thing

The easiest way to get children to eat is by adding something sweet. Why not offer them some chocolate spread, peanut butter or honey on toast. Even though sweet, these toppings are still filled with nutrients that will help children stay focused.

Last night’s leftovers

Warming up last night’s leftovers is probably one on the easiest breakfasts you can think of. Fool your kids by adding a bit of tomato sauce, cheese, or mayonnaise or simply placing it on a slice of toast. Roast chicken, pasta or a piece of braai meat on a slice of toast to make a meal that will keep them concentrating.

Something easy

If there really is no time to prepare anything, there is still no excuse for not eating. Stash a cereal bar, a tub of yogurt or a fruit such as an apple or banana in your child’s hand that they can snack on, on their way to school. A small packet of dried fruit or nuts is also a filling option.