By many reports, 40% of kids don't.

But everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right?

Here is some proof:

• The State of Minnesota Breakfast Study showed that 'students who ate breakfasts before starting school had a general increase in math grades and reading scores, increased student attention, reduced nurse visits, and improved student behaviors'
  
  
• Children who eat a healthy breakfast 'meet their daily nutritional needs, keep their weight under control, have lower blood cholesterol levels, attend school more frequently, and make fewer trips to the school nurses office complaining of tummy aches.'^*
  
  
• Kids 'who eat breakfast are more likely than children who skip breakfast to consume foods with adequate levels of minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins, such as riboflavin, vitamins A, C, and B12, and folate.'^*
  
  
• Kids 'who skip breakfast do not make up for the missed calories at other meals.'^*
  

So why aren't your kids eating breakfast each day?

Most likely it is because your family is already rushed in the morning and you don't feel like you have time to provide a nutritious breakfast. But remember that breakfast doesn't have to mean home-made waffles or french toast every day. There are many quick and easy breakfasts that you can give your kids that are also nutritious.

According to the American Dietetic Association, these can include:

• ready-to-eat cereal with fruit and milk
• toasted bagel with cheese
• fruit-filled breakfast bar and yogurt
• toasted waffle topped with fruit and yogurt
• fruit smoothie (fruit and milk whirled in a blender)
• peanut butter on whole-wheat toast

If you can't provide a healthy breakfast for your child at home, you might also look at breakfasts offered at your child's school or daycare.

^* source is the American Dietetic Association

Also visit:
ADHD advice and information
Expert Pediatrician - child health and parenting advice
About Pediatrics - Expert Pediatric Parenting Advice
Father's First Year - read about Dr. Iannelli's new book