Back-to-School Morning Recipe for Success: Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Mornings can be tricky when juggling new back-to-school routines (and emotions), but never fear–Denver Preschool Program has a full lineup of breakfast ideas for kids. With National Waffle Day on August 24th, we have cooked up some fun and easy breakfast ideas to start any day. 

Why Breakfast Is Important for Preschoolers

Breakfast helps kids and adults of all ages start off on the right foot. Studies show that between 10-30% of children skip breakfast. Not having breakfast has been linked to a number of poor learning and health outcomes, including lower brain function, reduced energy, and higher obesity rates.   

Preschoolers have growing bodies and curious minds, making breakfast even more important. Children who eat breakfast have been found to have better nutritional intake throughout the day, fewer behavioral issues, and improved academic performance. Yet, finding breakfast options that young children enjoy can be difficult. Plus, many families are short on time, resources, and ideas. 

Easy Breakfast Ideas for Kids and Adults

To get your preschooler (and you) fueled up and ready to go, check out these breakfast ideas: 

• Eggo waffles, which were first cooked up in 1936, offer an easy option for families who might be short on time. They offer a range of flavors, recipes, and breakfast varieties (from the traditional Eggo waffle to French bread sticks and pancakes) to keep your little one satisfied. 
• Breakfast bowls can provide nutrition and cater to different tastes. Mix quinoa, boiled eggs, avocados, and grape tomatoes (or whatever ingredients you choose). You can even top it off with a little ranch dressing or vinaigrette. Cook the grains the night before for an even simpler morning. Based on your time and patience, you can even include your preschooler in the process of putting together the bowl. Check out these make-ahead potato, sausage, and egg breakfast bowls. 
• Pack protein, fruit, and veggies into a healthy and colorful breakfast smoothie, which is a  great option for those eating on-the-go. This oatmeal breakfast smoothie uses uncooked old-fashioned oats, milk, and a variety of fruits to pack a punch. These healthy fruit breakfast smoothies for kids offer something for everyone. 
• Who says bread or a wrap can’t be fun? Peanut butter, cheese, avocado, jelly, bananas, raisins, cinnamon, and more can make the morning more fun (and delicious). Check out these silly animal toast ideas. 
• From egg cups to bagels, and from fruit and yogurt parfaits to 5-minute pancakes, these 12 toddler breakfast ideas and 21 healthy toddler breakfasts are great for kids and adults of any age. 
• Mini-anything or make-ahead-and-freeze breakfast ideas can keep your preschooler satisfied and save you time. Blueberry Zucchini muffins, breakfast cookies, and peanut butter strawberry banana quesadillas top this lineup of 35 kid-friendly breakfast ideas. Or, frozen yogurt bark and overnight French toast might be just what your preschooler needs to start the day. 
• Leftovers from last night for breakfast? Sure! The US Food & Drug Administration says maintaining healthy balance is key so switching it up once is a while is also an option. 

Whether you prep ahead or decide what you feel like when you roll out of bed, easy breakfast ideas for kids can help you jumpstart your (and your preschooler’s) day. 

Are there any other resources or tips that might be helpful to you and your preschooler this school year? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note at outreach@dpp.org or message us on Instagram or Facebook and let us know!