Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Breakfast for kids is one of those things that sometimes begs inspiration beyond processed ,sugar-laden,cold cereal. While the kid-loved cereal has it's days, there are lots of other options. Coming up with fun, kid-friendly ideas for breakfast just takes a bit of forethought in the grocery store so you will have necessary ingredients/items on hand when breakfast calls. Whether you are a working away from home parent, at work at home parent or a stay at home parent, breakfast for kids is a daily thing. Being a parent and a babysitter for over 14 years, I am on the breakfast gig every day. Here are some ideas and tips I have found to be great helps and kid-friendly ideas along the way.

Waffles-Homemade waffles are a very healthy and yet a major breakfast treat for most kids these days, but the store-bought frozen waffles will suffice any day. After toasting the waffles until they are hot and crispy, butter them, cut into strips and turn the kids loose with various topping choices. I have yet to meet a kid that didn't love marching the waffle strips('soldiers')through the syrup ocean or taking a waffle-dip in the peanut butter lake. Another option would be toasting,buttering and offering fresh cut fruit to toss atop the waffle with maybe a little whipped cream to boot.

Pancakes-Like waffles, homemade pancakes are a nutritious as well as a great breakfast treat for kids, but the frozen ones from the grocery store will do as well. When making pancakes from scratch, fun shapes can be created for the kids and bloopers eaten along the way! Chocolate chips or raisins can be used to flavor the pancakes or make faces or initials sure to bring smiles to little faces. Toppings for pancakes can include butter and syrups such as the maple standby or something different like raspberry or blueberry syrup. Cut up fruit to top or peanut butter to smear would also work well for pancakes.

Biscuits-There a many biscuit options these days, from homemade to canned to frozen.Biscuits are a delicious breakfast option when simply buttered while hot or covered with creamy sausage gravy. Other ideas of additions to the biscuit breakfast abound. Add some cheese and bacon or sausage for a protein-packed breakfast sandwich. Another protein-packed option is a slice of ham with a firm fried egg-let the children experiment with various breakfast sandwich fillings to find what they like best. A breakfast sandwich made at home will rival any fast food drive-thru hands down.

Cinnamon Toast-Toast up the bread and, while it is still hot, butter the toast well then liberally sprinkle sugar and cinnamon atop. Slice into strips and watch the cinnamon toast disappear. This is a sweet, kid-friendly breakfast treat.

French Toast- This egg batter dipped and fried breakfast is full of protein as well as being alluring to the sweet tooth. Cutting the finished french toast into strips or triangles adds to the kid fun factor. Syrups of various flavors go over really big when serving french toast for breakfast. Add a sprinkle or three of confectioner's sugar for a sweet, sugary smile every time.

Plain Toast-Of course, all fancy stuff aside, there is always the option of plain toast with a bit of butter and a favorite jelly or jam spread atop. A classic favorite, plain toast offers quite a few options when it comes right down to it. Besides jelly or jam, peanut butter is delicious atop crispy, hot toast. This is yet another breakfast item for kids that can be cut into triangles or strips for fun and easy eating.

Oatmeal-Lots of kids love oatmeal, especially on cold, winter mornings. There are many flavors of prepackaged oatmeal available at the grocery store. If you make the oatmeal yourself, the options for flavorings and toppings are nearly limitless. Classic apple and cinnamon or maple syrup and brown sugar are two timeless choices for oatmeal flavors. Fresh fruit and flavored syrups are options as well. Raisins can be used to make smiley faces or initials, adding to kid friendly fun.

Muffins-Yet again, there are store bought mixes and packages or homemade versions of this easy to grab breakfast option. Eaten plain, right from the pan or spread with favorite spreads such as butter , jelly or jam favorites, muffins are a super easy to eat breakfast for kids of all ages.

Bagels-Many ways to top a bagel! These can be eaten plain, spread with cream cheese, with honey, with peanut butter or any of a variety of jam or jelly choices as well.

Breakfast Burritos-While a lot of kids are picky eaters and don't like to mix up their food, breakfast burritos have nonetheless become a semi-accepted breakfast food for quite a few youngsters. Typically filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and a breakfast meat such as sausage or bacon, these burritos are another quick grab and continue on breakfast option.

All of the listed options are basically simple, good and healthy breakfast options for kids-for anyone at any age, really. Remember, lots of fresh fruit on hand goes along with any breakfast you chose to serve. Add cold milk and/or fresh fruit juices and you have a kid-friendly breakfast to start the day off with smiles and energy needed for the hard work of being a child.