Breakfast is widely considered as the most important meal of the day, but how often do your kids actually take the time to eat breakfast? During the school year, it’s common for many kids to rush to school in the mornings, leaving little time for a proper breakfast. Meanwhile, during vacations, kids are often rushing out of the house to play with their friends.

Many studies have revealed the importance of breakfast for children’s growing bodies. A properly balanced meal in the morning keeps kids’ energy up at school and also prevents them from overeating throughout the day. It’s also important that your kids eat breakfasts that are actually nutritious and not merely satisfying.

Healthy breakfast ideas for kids include French toast, pancakes, and oatmeal. These foods work great because they’re easy to prepare and cook, so you won’t find it difficult to put these on the table during those rushed mornings. Simple sandwiches made from whole-wheat bread or bagels and fillings such as peanut butter and banana or fruit and cream cheese are also good breakfast options for kids.

Breakfast is also a great time to have your kids eat some fruit. Bananas, strawberries, and apples are kid-friendly fruits that can be served in the morning. Fruit can also be mixed with milk or yogurt and blended into smoothies for kids who are running late for school. Mixed fruit salads also taste great and can provide your kids with enough energy to get through the morning.

If you and your kids have the chance to sit down and eat breakfast, you can also prepare heavier breakfasts with hearty foods such as scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. You can make these meals more appealing to your kids by preparing foods like breakfast tacos or breakfast pizza, both of which can be made from sausage, shredded cheese, and tortillas.