You have undoubtedly heard the adage, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." While breaking the fast of night is important for everyone, it is especially vital for children. Eating breakfast gives your child the fuel he needs to have enough energy to get through the busy activities of his morning in school. His grades and health can be negatively impacted by skipping this meal.
Skipping Breakfast and Grades
Children who are hungry and distracted are less likely to do well in school, says the American Dietetic Association. If your child is not getting the nutrients she needs, she may be more likely to show up tardy for class or not pay attention, missing important explanations from her teachers. Her exam grades may drop, both because she wasn't able to pay enough attention in class to learn the material, and because she is too focused on her hunger during the test itself, preventing her from doing as well as she otherwise could have.
Skipping Breakfast and Nutrition
Children who skip breakfast may tend to fill up on fatty, salty snacks later in the day to compensate for the missing calories in their diets. If your child eats too many unhealthy foods, he may become overweight, causing him to suffer from lowered self-esteem. He also may end up with a low iron level, which can cause headaches and problems with concentration. Providing your child with a nutritious breakfast can not only boost his grades, but also his health.
Exam Preparation
The night before a big test or exam, encourage your child to go to bed early so she will be well-rested. When she wakes up, offer her a healthy breakfast, but nothing too filling that may make her drowsy later. Keep the atmosphere pleasant to avoid making your child feel stressed. Sitting around the table with the family, if feasible, may calm your child down and allow her to relax. If you don't have time for a family breakfast, pack something easy to eat the night before so she can dine on the way to school without pressure.
Nutritious Breakfast Ideas
You may not have the time or desire to cook your child a full breakfast each morning. This is not a problem, as long as you have healthy foods on hand. A cup of yogurt with berries or banana slices mixed in along with a handful of nuts will give him the protein, fiber and fat that he needs in the morning. A zip lock bag filled with a healthy mix of granola and dried fruit makes a quick on-the-go breakfast. Keep the pantry stocked with whole-grain bread for toast and whole-grain cold or hot cereals that he can help himself to.
Member Comments