Smoothies

Sometimes kids just don’t really like to eat anything in the morning. Sneak some nutrition in with a power-packed smoothie before they start their school day. Many things can be hidden in a smoothie that your child would never eat on their own, including spinach, carrots, nuts, and seeds! When these ingredients are blended up many of the tastes and textures are obscured, and the sweet taste of fruits and yogurt shine through. Banana provides a great healthy sweet base for your smoothies, and any fruits you use (or veggies) will change the color of your smoothie. Does your child love pink? A strawberry and yogurt smoothie can give a boost of protein with a beautiful pink hue. Is green the favorite color of the week? Spinach blended in turns your smoothie a vibrant green, but your child will never taste the hidden veggies. A smoothie is a great preschool breakfast, especially if your kiddo doesn’t like to eat fruits and veggies whole.

Muffins

Muffins are something most preschoolers love, and a lifesaver for busy moms and dads. Make them ahead of time and freeze for easy, fuss-free mornings—plus they are great on the go! Muffins are another great place for sneaking in fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, and many kids love anything baked into these tasty little cakes. Blueberry muffins are always winners, and even carrot “cake” muffins made with applesauce and cream cheese “frosting” can be healthy while appealing to a little sweet tooth. Muffins also are good because of their small portion size, making them great for small tummies.

Sundaes for Breakfast

No, we’re not talking about ice cream, but having a faux sundae can get a picky eater to enjoy something that looks like a dessert. Use full-fat yogurt as your ice cream, and let your child pick the toppings they love the most! Layering berries, granola, and honey in a clear parfait glass makes this breakfast visually appealing and can tempt even a stubborn breakfast eater. This breakfast is so easy, your kiddo can probably make it themselves—this makes it even more likely they will enjoy it!

Soup

Okay, this suggestion is not for your die-hard breakfast food lovers. But kids love soup, and soup is an easy way to pack in the veggies. A warm tomato soup on a cold winter day will wake them up in the best way. On a hot summer morning a cold gazpacho soup can give nutrition and be refreshing. If your little ones would rather have soup than eggs, let them! The most important thing is that they get good nutrition in their bellies before school!

Set your child up for preschool success with a great nutritious breakfast! If you are looking for a preschool where your little one can grow, learn, and play, Growing Kids Learning Center has locations in South Bend, Chesterton, Elkhart, and Goshen—contact us today!

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Where the Wild Things Are

This classic book is a great start to enhancing your child’s reading skills and love for literature. The story touches on creative thinking and learning to understand and accept people for their differences. This is not only great for reading skills, but also emotional development. Your kid will love the story you cherished as a child!

The Color of Us

The Color of Us is an important book to teach your child about accepting people for who they are, regardless of what they look like, and embracing who you are despite the color of your skin.. This is an introduction into an important life lesson that your child will continually reshape and utilize throughout their lives.

The Giving Tree

A classic you may recall reading as a child, The Giving Tree is a great introduction into philosophical interpretations of stories. The tree constantly gives as the boy asks for more, but the tree remains happy as giving provides the tree immense joy.

Books are the gateway to critical thought and strengthening reading skills. Though the books listed are simply just the beginning of potential stories to have your child read, introducing them to literature can enhance lessons learned in school and open up a channel for creativity. Growing Kids Learning Center serves as Northern Indiana’s child care experts, helping children build successful futures. Our dedication to your child’s education is a fundamental aspect of our programs.

Check out our programs today to learn more about us

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• By being a good example, parents can be the first and most effective teachers when it comes to how to engage in polite conversation and how to be good listeners and waiting to take turns to speak. 
• Teach your children concepts like empathy and concern for others. By teaching them how to read social cues such as facial expressions, that child will be able to pick up on subtle hints that allow them to interact in more socially acceptable ways.
• For children that are socially awkward and struggling to make friends, competition can be trouble. Stay away from competitive games and engage children in cooperative play that fosters relationships and common ground.
• Try to keep voice levels in control and use encouraging and supportive words and actions when interacting with your shy child. Don’t trivialize their negative emotions or belittle them in any way.

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