Most children tend to skip breakfast, either because of lack of time before going to preschool or because of absence of hunger in early morning or just have milk. But we forget that while you sleep, your body goes without food for 8 to 12 hours. Therefore, breakfast is a great way to fuel your body up for the day, giving it much-needed energy. Children who skip breakfast tend to feel tired, moody, restless and irritable throughout the day. This affects their ability to focus and concentrate during school (imagine the things that they might be missing during lessons!).
Here are some more reasons –
- Studies show that eating breakfast everyday is important in maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Starting your child’s day with a healthy breakfast will also make them less likely to eat high-calorie snacks during the morning.
- Eating a well balanced breakfast improves their intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamin C; these nutrients are essential in a balanced diet. In fact, a good breakfast provides one-fourth to one-third of the day’s energy and nutrient needs.
- Children who eat a healthy breakfast tend to show improved academic performance, longer attention span, better attendance and decreased hyperactivity in school.
- Skipping breakfast will often make your child feel tired, restless or irritable by mid-morning.These symptoms lead to aggressive behavior that causes children to get in trouble in school.
- By eating breakfast, your child will have energy throughout the morning and help him/her concentrate better in class.
Make your toddler’s/preschooler’s’ breakfast with foods that are high in whole grains, fibre, protein and DHA because these help to boost their memory, concentration and attention, which in turn will help them to learn better in school.