Preparing a hot, nutritious meal for your child in the mornings may not always be possible. However, starting off your child's day with a healthy breakfast is very beneficial to your child's performance in school and her health. Encouraging your child to make healthy eating choices at a young age may reduce her risk of becoming obese. Always speak with your child's pediatrician before changing her diet.
Importance
Doctors will tell you breakfast is the most important meal of the day. According to Family Education, studies show that kids who eat breakfast do better in school, eat a healthier diet and are more likely to meet their nutritional needs. In addition, eating a healthy breakfast may help your child make better food choices throughout the day.
Protein
A healthy breakfast should contain protein and carbohydrates. An example of a protein-rich breakfast is two slices of whole wheat toast with peanut butter, an orange and a glass of low-fat milk. According to AskDrSears.com, the amount of daily protein is determined by your child's body size as well as how fast he is growing.
Calcium
During periods of rapid growth such as the childhood years, calcium is essential. According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, calcium is the mineral that is most present in your child's bones; therefore including calcium-rich foods in your child's diet is necessary for the development of strong bones and teeth. Toddlers up to age 3 need about 500 mg of calcium each day. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 should consume 800 mg of calcium per day, and those age 9 to 18 should consume 1,300 mg. Adding milk to your child's breakfast will help meet the daily calcium requirements.
Vitamins and Minerals
If your child is eating three well-balanced meals each day, she is likely getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. However, with working parents and after-school activities, three meals a day may be infeasible. Speak with your child's doctor about adding a children's multi-vitamin to her diet to help meet the daily requirements.
Breakfast Program
Many schools offer breakfast programs to ensure children are starting their day off with a healthy meal. According to the USDA, breakfasts served in school cafeterias must meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These recommendations state that school breakfasts must provide one-fourth of a child's RDA for protein, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A and calories.
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