Breakfasting with the kids may be one of those morning scenarios where the tone of the day is established within a few minutes. Mornings become a ritual of cereal box crumbs, and crusts from the toast on some mornings, or it’s the place where something more exciting can be eaten on other days. These concepts, by just a glance at the world’s cities, can revive a family’s morning and turn breakfast into one that everyone eagerly waits for.
This is a collaborative post
Small Cream Cheese and Fruit-Topped Bagels Recipe
You can’t imagine New York without imagining bagels, and making them child-friendly breakfast foods is easier than you think.
Using small soft bagels which the kids can grasp individually, smearing a very thin amount of cream cheese on the bagel and providing slices of strawberries, blueberries, or a spoonful of honey makes the chewy bread and the yummy fruit individually become something of a treat and doesn’t have to mean losing hours of prep time.
Children nearly universally love the novelty of a ring-shaped bagel, which can be grasped individually.
Pancake Towers with a Twist
Pancake cities like Toronto and Chicago have pancakes that come high on the plate and drenched in syrup. At home, it is easy to come up with a version that is healthier still, but a treat just the same. Make mini pancakes and have some of the likes of Greek yoghurt, sliced banana, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips on standby. Serve them out in mounds so the kids can have some input on the layering of the toppings. It makes breakfast something to do and gives them some control over the meal, which virtually guarantees fewer complaints and more clean plates.
Japanese-Style Rice Bowls Recipe
Tokyo mornings are more than just pastries and bread. Tokyo starts the morning with rice, miso soup and fish.
For a child-friendly option, start the morning with a plain rice bowl topped with scrambled eggs, edamame beans and shredded chicken. Add a pinch of soy sauce to taste, but do not expose the toddlers’ tastebuds to it. With the variety of textures, it is an enjoyable meal, and the kids will be amazed that they get something savoury and hot in the morning instead of the normal sweet start.
Colourful Layer Jars
Consider cities such as Los Angeles, where smoothie culture has become the norm. To make it manageable with kids, blend yoghurt and fruit together into different mixes, then layer into small cups or jars. A purple berry mixture, a yellow mango mixture and a green spinach and apple mixture can be layered on top of one another to get a rainbow effect. Add a sprinkle of granola on top to offer some crunch.
Bringing It All Together
These creative, fun and easy breakfast ideas for kids tap the variety and panache of breakfasts spread around the world that can be spotted in large cities like Paris, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. I once took note of the fact that the hotels, especially hotels in Center City, offered grand breakfast spreads with menus that pleased adults and youngsters alike. Adding just a little of that creativity to everyday life makes mornings more enjoyable, regardless of sitting at home at the family table.
How did I do?
Did you enjoy this post? If so, you should check out more of the ‘usual’ type of stuff I write. Honest, relatable rants about parenting three young boys. With a touch of swearing and a lot of sarcasm. You’ll like it! Check out my Mum Life section or head to my Travel Section for some UK family holiday and days out inspiration.
If you like a bit of social media madness, pop over to my Facebook page where you’ll be able to have a laugh at what ridiculousness goes on in my house with three boys on a daily basis. Warning – there is often sarcasm, and usually swearing. There are also great travel reviews and the odd giveaway. Feel free to join my Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee – Shits and Giggles Parenting Group too, where everyone shares their hilarious stories.
If you like what you see, how about you check me out on Pinterest, Instagram, Threads and TikTok too.
And if you want to work with me, feel free to give me a shout at helen@twinstantrumsandcoldcoffee.com and I’ll get back to you.