Guardian Childcare & Education provides helpful tips and tricks for a healthy and nutritious breakfast, that will help minimise morning stress.

Getting your child to finish their breakfast, especially if they’re a fussy eater, can challenge parents at the best of times, and no more so than when you’re trying to get out the door in a hurry.

No matter how challenging it may be though, ensuring your child starts the day with a belly full of nourishing breakfast is a must. By providing children with the nutrients they need for development, growth and repair at the beginning of the day, you’re giving them the head start they need to take on the rest of the day’s challenges.

Wellbeing and nutrition are a vital part of the holistic approach that Guardian Childcare and Education Centres take towards educating the children who attend their centres.

Guardian Childcare & Education Caringbah chef Mitchell Herman and accredited practising Dietitian Vanessa Schuldt have worked together to provide the following helpful tips to help parents solve their breakfast dilemmas.

Tips for a nutritious, stress-free breakfast:

•         Eat breakfast with your child. Children often copy their parents as they look to them for guidance. If you often skip breakfast, you might find it harder to encourage your child to eat a morning meal too.
•         Don’t rush it. Getting up 20 minutes earlier gives you and your child time to have a relaxing and peaceful morning, while sitting down and enjoying breakfast together. Just like many adults, not all children are ready to eat as soon as they get up, so allowing them to properly wake up before offering food may achieve a more successful result.
•         Work your way up. If your child doesn’t usually like breakfast, it’s best to start small instead of jumping straight to a heavy meal. Perhaps offer your child small nutritious items such as chopped fruit and yoghurt, or a piece of wholemeal toast with their favourite spread. These options are quick and easy, and get the ball rolling toward offering them something more substantial.
•         Liquid breakfasts. What a fun way to start the day! Colourful, customisable and nourishing, your smoothie can include fruit and milk of your child’s choice, reduced-fat yoghurt and rolled oats. Blend this up for an easy, on-the-go meal.
•         Switch it up. Eating the same breakfast every morning can be boring for your child. Try changing things up and trying new things. You could even ask your child’s friends’ parents to see what their children enjoy for inspiration.

“The key to establishing good nutrition habits is ensuring your child is having something nutritious every morning. Ideally, breakfast should include protein to keep them full until their next meal, dietary fibre to promote good digestion, and carbohydrates so they have the energy needed to think, learn and play,” says Vanessa Schuldt.

Your best bet is to offer your child something you know they’ll enjoy. This will help minimise the morning dramas in getting them off to childcare and will give you peace of mind, knowing that you have sent them off with a belly full of goodness to keep them going.

Easy, healthy breakfast choices

Here are some healthy options for you and your child to try:

•         A breakfast smoothie of your child’s choice – perfect for fussy eaters!
•         Wholemeal or high-fibre crumpets or toast with a healthy and nutritious topping such as peanut butter, avocado, banana and honey, or cheese and vegemite.
•         Soft-boiled eggs with wholemeal toast cut into soldiers – great for dipping!
•         Bircher muesli, which offers lots of fibre, carbohydrates, and most importantly, a great flavour!
•         High-fibre cereal with low-fat milk and/or yoghurt, topped with fresh fruit – try to steer clear from the high-sugar cereals.

Guardian Childcare & Education has 42 Centres across NSW including one located in Caringbah and nine in the Sydney CBD.

To learn more about their centres visit the Guardian Childcare website or call them on 1300 001 119.

Take advantage of free childcare until July 12 and discover the Guardian difference. Book a tour with your local centre today. Limited spaces available.