6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast + Strawberry Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast

Some days, getting my children to eat breakfast seems like the toughest task that I tackle each day. It's tough sometimes. They try to get out of eating breakfast not fully realizing that they need it to start their day. I have educated them many times about the importance of eating breakfast but still I often times fell on deaf ears. This 6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast post is something that my family needed.

I decided that I needed to get creative. My kids needed breakfast and I needed the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you do everything that you can for your children. Simply, my kids needed fuel and I was determined to get it to them. Here is what I do:

6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast

1. Make it portable.

This was the number one thing that completely changed the way my kids look at breakfast. I am fine with them eating in the car as long it means they are eating breakfast. I started making things that were much more portable. Pancake wrapped around sausage, an egg sandwich, etc. No matter what it was wrapped, easy to carry and easy to eat.

2. Eat breakfast together.

Every few weeks, we plan an early day and we all have breakfast together. We all love this time because we never usually spend that much time together in the early mornings so it is different and fun. We even play card games after eating.

3. Try serving dinner instead.

Do you really care what they eat as long as they are getting protein? My son asked for chicken and broccoli a few weeks ago for breakfast. Of course I said yes because that was a great choice. I didn't want to let the fact that it was morning ruin the good eating decision he was making. We eat breakfast for dinner so why not dinner for breakfast?

4. Give them choices.

In the morning, I give them a choice on what they can have to eat depending on what time it is. If we have plenty of time, I might make scrambled or over medium eggs with toast. I always give the choice of one or the other so they can't say no. They have to choose one or the other.

5. Let them make their breakfast.

Our middle child loves to make her own breakfast. She will make herself scrambled eggs and toast. Sometimes she cooks for her siblings as well. We get her up a few minutes early and she is thrilled.

6. Try smoothies.

Often times a liquid breakfast is much easier to consume rather than eggs or cereal. At least for me, it is. I found the same to be true for my kids so I started making smoothies every day for the kids in travel cups. The deal is that they hand me the empty cup when they get out at carpool. Our smoothies are made with Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink.

Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink

Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink is the perfect start to the day. In fact, it is one of our faves in this house because my kids love coming up with new flavors. It's the perfect start to anyone's day, really.  Simply add milk, stir and drink for the most nutritious start to your day complete with 21 vitamins and minerals and protein.

Delicious flavors like Rich Milk Chocolate, Classic French Vanilla and Strawberry Sensation mean that you have a variety to choose from. In fact, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink Mix is so versatile that it makes a great smoothie base (we use Classic French Vanilla for our everyday smoothies). Consider switching up the milk used and trying soy or almond milk for a tasty twist.

Strawberry Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

Did you know Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink Mix is great for making smoothies?  Just blend with milk and your favorite fruits like strawberries or bananas. We do our smoothies a little different. My kids love chocolate and berries together so we make a Strawberry Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1/4 of ice
• 3/4 frozen strawberries
• 1 cup of 2% milk
• 1 packet of Rick Milk Chocolate Flavor Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Powder Drink Mix
• 1/2 banana (this adds creaminess – as an alternative, consider adding avocado or Greek yogurt)

Directions

1. Add milk to blender, the strawberries, 1/2 banana and Carnation Breakfast Essentials® powder drink mik
2. Add ice. Blend until smooth.
3. Garnish with a strawberry if desired.

NOTE: This recipe also tastes just as good with the Carnation Breakfast Essentials® French Vanilla.

This is sponsored post on behalf of Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Complete Nutritional Drink Mix. This 6 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast post is our own opinion.