Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but as most parents know, it’s also the one that teens skip the most. This can have devastating effects since eating breakfast has been linked to better grades, stronger ability to concentrate, and higher energy levels in adolescents. So before you let your daughter bolt out of the door, make sure she gets something healthy in her stomach.
Give her a breakfast boost:
- Chew on this. There are many reasons why your daughter may be skipping breakfast. As with most issues, you should talk with her about it. Maybe she doesn’t like what’s in the fridge, maybe she forgets, or maybe she’s intentionally trying to loose weight. No matter what the reason, let her know that she needs to chew on something in the morning, even if it isn’t a lot.
- Let her have a say. Ask her what she likes to eat and offer suggestions. She may also want to go with you to the grocery store to pick out her own breakfast foods.
- Practice what you preach. If she sees you eating, then she may be more likely to eat. Modeling good eating habits can go a long way toward getting her to have breakfast. Even though she won’t admit it, she’s watching your every move for guidance.
- Get into the groove. Many teens are forgetful, so remind her to grab breakfast everyday. Encourage her to eat around the same time so she develops a healthy habit.