Why is breakfast so important for children?

Gentle awakening: In the morning there is usually not much time. With a relaxed breakfast your child can wake up better and get their energy going.

Energy for the day: During the night the body has not received any nutrients, so in the morning the energy reserves must first be refilled. With a balanced breakfast your child gets the necessary minerals and vitamins that make them fit for the day.

Improves mood: An empty stomach causes a bad mood, as adults know all too well. Children who leave the house with a full stomach are less irritable.

Boosts concentration: Not only on the way to school or at school, but also in kindergarten there is a lot going on and your child should be able to concentrate. A breakfast provides the brain with the right nutrients to wake it up and help it focus.

What makes a healthy breakfast for children?

Sufficient fiber: So that your child makes it until the next breakfast at kindergarten or the big break, the breakfast base should be a tasty whole-grain bread or sugar-free muesli. Oat flakes or whole-grain flakes are best suited here.

An extra portion of calcium: The mineral is important for bone growth and should not be missing at any breakfast: as milk for muesli or in a glass, a small portion of quark with fruit or a sugar-free yogurt. Cheese on the bread is also a good source of calcium.

Important vitamins: For a balanced breakfast a few pieces of fruit should not be missing either. Half a banana, a kiwi or a few strawberries. Depending on the season, feel free to make the plate colorful.

Enough fluids: A glass of water, a cup of unsweetened tea or a fruit spritzer; especially in the morning the body needs fluids. Every now and then hot cocoa is also allowed. But then preferably with a low-sugar chocolate mix or a homemade drinking chocolate.

For morning grumps: Some children can't get a bite down in the morning. Still, they shouldn't leave the house without any breakfast. Smoothies are a good choice here: you can throw all the necessary breakfast components into the blender and your child doesn't have to chew much.

What about sweet temptations? Delicious jam, sweet honey or the popular chocolate spread – every now and then something sweet in the morning is allowed. It's best to spread the tasty topping on the bread without butter and reserve it for special days or the weekend, because blood sugar levels fall relatively quickly after consumption and reduce concentration.

Breakfast in kindergarten and school – no substitute for home

Rather cuddle in bed for ten more minutes in the morning and skip breakfast because there is something to eat at kindergarten and school. Even if it's not as cozy, you should get up a little earlier and allow enough time for breakfast. If your child is not hungry shortly after getting up, they should at least eat a small piece of fruit or drink a glass of milk. Not only the food is important, but also the relaxed time with mom or dad. Depending on how big breakfast is, you can then plan the portions for the packed lunch.

Make delicious muesli yourself – a healthy breakfast for children

With homemade muesli you can decide for yourself how much sugar is in the mix. And the best part: you can add extra ingredients as you like. With some natural yogurt and a few fruits, you get a tasty and healthy breakfast. The mix can be prepared well and stored airtight for several days.

The Ingredients: 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup nuts, e.g. walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts, maple syrup or honey to sweeten, 1 pinch of salt. As a tasty extra you can also add pumpkin seeds, spices like cinnamon or vanilla or dried fruits like apricots, apples or cranberries (add the fruits only after baking).

The preparation: Preheat your oven to 190 °C. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and then add the desired sweetener. Then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Put in the oven for about 30 minutes. After half the time you can stir the muesli once so that all ingredients brown evenly.

Image credits

Daughter puts something into her father's mouth. Orange juice and banana © Vasyl - stock.adobe.com

Oatmeal porridge with ripe blueberries, nuts and honey for breakfast © Надія Коваль - stock.adobe.com