My son (and his crazy hair) loves breakfast, which in turn means I love breakfast. I can sit him in his chair and know that I have at least 10 minutes (sometimes 20 minutes) to do anything while he is eating. Sometimes I take full advantage and get dressed or clean the kitchen (that I just couldn’t make myself do the night before), and other times I just enjoy sitting and eating with him.

Breakfast is typically children’s best meal. They usually are hungry from not eating all night and are often in a good mood since they got some good sleep. (hopefully) I’m not sure what age is the “mystifying” age when children/teenagers decide they don’t need breakfast anymore, but as a parent it is important to be a good role model. Lead by example by always eating breakfast and explain to your children the importance of breakfast.

Breakfast is important for everyone, but especially important for children as their bodies and brains are growing. When they skip breakfast, they put their bodies in a semi-starvation state that may cause behavior, physical, and intellectual problems. Skipping breakfast is also strongly linked to the development of obesity. Those who skip breakfast usually consume larger meals later in the day or high calorie snacks to compensate for skipping breakfast. Research also shows that eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day results in less body fat accumulation then eating few large meals even when it is the same calories.

Not convinced that breakfast is important? Then take a look at these facts:

People who eat breakfast…..

• Have more energy
• Perform better in school/ work.
• Typically eat healthier the rest of the day

People who skip breakfast are quicker to become….

• tired
• irritable
• restless

If you don’t have time for a big sit down breakfast, don’t worry. Granola bars and cereal are great quick alternatives. We just started putting cereal and milk together in a bowl for my 2 year old. He thinks it is the greatest thing in the world. He immediately takes the bowl and drinks the milk. When the milk is gone, then he eats the cereal with his spoon. A little backwards from the way most people eat their cereal, but we love him anyways! Oatmeal squares are his favorite right now.

What about you? What is your family’s favorite breakfast?