Skipping breakfast is not a habit exclusive to teenagers. There are several reasons a child or teen may choose not to eat their morning meal. For some, it is due to time constraints while getting ready for school or activities; when choosing between 15 extra minutes of sleep or getting a quick bite to eat, many people prefer the additional rest. If a child or teenager is not getting enough sleep, be it due to late activity schedules, naturally later circadian rhythms in teens, or other sleep disturbances, they may experience nausea or lack of appetite due to excessive tiredness. Others have concerns regarding weight or body image and skip the meal for weight loss purposes, not realizing this may have the opposite effect. Picky eaters may avoid breakfast if they do not enjoy the stereotypical foods offered in the morning.

Regardless of the reason for avoiding breakfast, the consequence is the same; skipping the morning meal deprives the brain of nutrients needed to function throughout the day. Not eating breakfast can lead to poor concentration, short term memory difficulties, reduced problem solving skills, and slower information processing. Research has shown eating a healthy meal in the morning can actually improve academic performance; children who consume breakfast on the morning of standardized testing have improved scores than those who don’t, are better able to complete challenging tasks, and are better able to deal with frustration. Eating healthy breakfast can also be linked to maintaining a healthier body weight; it lowers risk for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Also, many standard breakfast foods provide a good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Now that you know the importance of breakfast, how do you get your child/teen to eat it? Start by looking at the night before and the quality of your child’s sleep. Falling asleep earlier in the evening allows for more time to rest and can reverse the over-tiredness that leads to poor appetite or nausea. Also, consider planning or prepping breakfast the night before to expedite the morning schedule. If mornings are busy and hectic, have grab & go options available to eat on the way to school. When considering these quick foods, try to incorporate good sources of protein and avoid foods high in fat-content or sugar. Try thinking creatively; if standard breakfast foods are not appetizing to your child, try smoothies, peanut butter on crackers or fruit, or maybe even leftovers from dinner! If there is time in the morning, sitting down at the table to eat as a family is a good way for everyone to take a moment to prepare their bodies for the day ahead. For some families, breakfast at home can be difficult, so consider looking at breakfast options at your child’s school or childcare facility. 

If you have concerns regarding the eating habits of your child, please call us to schedule an appointment with one of our providers!

American Academy of Pediatrics; Healthy Children. (July 31, 2023). Breakfast for Learning: Why the Morning Meal Matters. .https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Breakfast-for-Learning.aspx 

American Academy of Pediatrics; Healthy Children. (November 2, 2009). Food Faux Pas of Adolescence. .https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/Food-Faux-Pas-of-Adolescence.aspx?_gl=1*ujwsic*_ga*MTE3NDg2NzE1MS4xNjM0NjU3Mjk2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3NDcxNjE0MzYkbzMwNSRnMSR0MTc0NzE2MzA1MSRqMCRsMCRoMA