We’ve all grown up being told that breakfast is the most important part of the day! Sometimes parents and caregivers find it a challenge to know what is the best breakfast for a child. Well, I recently spoke to Siobhan Berry, a mum of two and founder, and creator of the popular website Mummy Cooks which helps families with a simple and fuss-free approach to feeding children. Siobhan shared her thoughts on the importance of a nutritious breakfast for children and some great breakfast ideas to suit all ages.

Siobhan has written two books; her first Baby & Family recipe book is heralded as the weaning bible for families starting out on their exciting weaning journey. Siobhan published her second book, Lunchbox Made Easy, to help parents navigate the tricky area of feeding older children.  

The Importance of a Nutritious Breakfast for Kids

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to give the kids, especially if they are resisting the same ideas or choices – something we can all get stuck in a rut about! 

I can say as a parent that I have tried and tested many of Siobhan’s recipes as have my kids and she has created a great variety including breakfast ideas for children! We chatted about the importance of a healthy breakfast for a child and what benefits it can provide for the kids.

Why is it important for a child to eat breakfast? 

 Start your child’s day off with a good breakfast, it’s essential to set them up for a busy day ahead. It will help to improve their concentration and knowledge absorption throughout the day too. Your child may not feel particularly hungry but it’s a good habit to get into from the start. 

Is it essential that breakfast contains various nutrients?

It’s important to have foods that slowly release energy over the course of the day. Such as carbohydrate rich foods like porridge and protein-rich foods like dairy.  Rather than sugary foods that can cause a spike in energy followed by a slump. Which isn’t ideal when they are at school. 

Does a healthy breakfast reduce the risk of illness?

Having a balanced diet and regular meals will help fight off infection. There are studies that show eating breakfast will lower the risk of both obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

What are the healthy breakfast choices for children?

 Cereals such as; Porridge, sugar-free muesli, Weetabix, and Oatabix. If time allows, eggs teamed with wholemeal toast offer a great source of protein and carbohydrates. Always team your breakfast with fresh fruit and try to change it up each day. 

What are your top easy breakfast choices for busy families?

Here is a blog on my best breakfast choices if you want to choose and share. My favourites are overnight oats and cinnamon french toast.

Here are some of the breakfast recipes you can find on the Mummy Cooks Website:

•  Boiled Egg & Avocado Toast

• Cinnamon French Toast

• Mixed Berry Overnight Oats

• Vegetable Omelette

• Apple & Blueberry Oat Muffins

• Oaty Banana Pancakes

• Vegetable Muffins

• Quinoa Porridge

• Plum & Ginger Yoghurt

• Homemade Coconut Muesli

• Easy Scrambled Eggs

I know in our house the kids love a bowl of porridge, egg and toast as well as a mix of fruit and French toast or pancakes at the weekends. That being said they can get bored of the same things and have days when they aren’t feeling as inspired – like me! But this is a great reminder of how important breakfast is and that there are many more alternatives out there than we think! 

Thanks to Siobhan for sharing her expertise with me.

Interested to learn more: Check out 10 ways to encourage healthy eating habits for your kids

More info about Siobhan

Siobhan Berry is founder and creator of the popular website Mummy Cooks. The Mummy Cooks mission is to empower and educate parents about feeding their children healthy, homemade food so their little ones grow into happy, healthy, adventurous eaters. 

Siobhan has written two books; her first Baby & Family recipe book is heralded as the weaning bible for families starting out on their exciting journey. Siobhan published her second book, Lunchbox Made Easy, to help parents navigate the tricky area of feeding older children.  

You can find recipes and advice and their range of products at www.MummyCooks.com 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with your children, I am here to help. I offer tailored 1 to 1 parent support sessions or corporate parenting talks. Get in touch with me today at aoife@parentsupport.ie, I offer eLearning Parenting Courses on Positive Parenting and Managing Screen Time & Device Use which will help support you in the challenges you may be facing.