Eating Habits & Trends for Kids' Breakfasts

Easy Eating

• Families on the go understand the value of convenience, and gravitate toward foods that are easily readied for consumption. While certain standards such as eggs and bacon remain popular, many parents stick to cold cereal, fruit juice and a glass of milk, according to the website Food Navigator USA. This routine can stem from what today's parents ate as children, or simply because the bustle of early mornings require a simple meal.

A Healthy Start

• With childhood obesity rates rising, parents might be taking a good look at what goes into their children's mouths. As a result, many restaurant chains have altered their menus to offer healthier choices for kids, according to a 2010 article in the British newspaper "The Independent." Many fast-food establishments now offer fresh fruit or vegetables as a breakfast side-dish option, making their meals more appealing to health-conscious parents. The convenience of fast-food meals coupled with the addition of healthy choices might help parents feel better about what their children are eating on the go.

Skipping Breakfast

• Skipping breakfast might become frequent when children reach the teen years. Adolescents might skip breakfast to avoid the calories, or because they need more sleep due to a late night from homework or other activities. While it isn't abnormal for adolescents and teens to run out the door without a bite, experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics website caution that abstaining from breakfast isn't healthy. Eating a healthful breakfast can provide some of the daily nutrients necessary for healthy growth, and keep kids alert at school.

Planning Ahead

• Planning for breakfasts in advance might take some time, but it's well worth the effort, according to the American Academy of Dietetics. Experts suggest that children have some power over what goes on the breakfast table, as they are more likely to eat something that they have chosen. Giving kids choices from three to four food groups enables them to make healthy decisions and ensures that they will be getting the nutrients their growing bodies need.