Remember the days when we meticulously sliced grapes and blueberries to ensure our little ones could enjoy them safely? Or when we offered a delightful array of flavors and textures to keep their tiny taste buds intrigued? Reflecting on those early parenting experiences, I realize there are valuable lessons from my children’s infancy that I could apply to our breakfast routines today. As the kids grow, it’s easy to overlook the significance of that first meal and how I can enhance it for them—and perhaps for myself too.
1. Stock Up on Tempting Options
The leftover crust from a loaf of bread, the dregs of a cereal box, or the last half of a waffle just won’t cut it for breakfast. I always made sure baby food was plentiful, so why shouldn’t I do the same for my older kids? Ensuring we have appealing choices readily available might just prevent my middle-schooler from grabbing a sugary snack on the way to school.
2. Introduce Variety
Those jars of baby food offered a world of flavors! To keep our little ones engaged with their meals, we should continue that practice. Sure, my kids adore their Special K Red Berries and Eggo waffles, but there’s a whole world of breakfast possibilities they might enjoy. Encouraging variety is essential; complacency in our breakfast choices isn’t something I want to foster.
3. Foster Independence
In the past, I would fill the highchair tray with various foods, allowing my children to choose what they wanted to eat—even if they ended up with a concoction of fruit and cookie mush. Why not turn breakfast into a fun adventure now? The next time they ask for cereal, I’ll set them up with a bowl, milk, and an assortment of cereal boxes, allowing them to create their own ultimate breakfast blend.
4. Make Food Visible
I often ask if they prefer apples or grapes, but it might be more effective to display the fruit prominently on the table. During winter, having a bowl of clementines within sight led to them disappearing much quicker than the oranges tucked away in the fridge. Just like babies, children are drawn to what they can see.
5. Join Them at the Table
I seldom sit down with my kids during breakfast, often busy with tasks of my own. But perhaps I don’t always need to be. Taking just ten minutes to share a meal at the table could be a delightful experience. Plus, I won’t have to spoon-feed or clean up after them!
This article was originally published on May 7, 2015.
For more insights, check out our other blog posts like the one on the at-home insemination kit for parenting tips and resources or visit BabyMaker if you’re interested in more on home insemination. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic is an excellent resource.
In summary, by applying these lessons from infancy to our breakfast routines, we can create a more enjoyable and nutritious start to the day for our kids and ourselves.
Keyphrase: breakfast lessons from babies
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