This post is sponsored by Gonna Need Milk, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
While breakfast may be the most important meal, it also occurs during the most hectic time of the day once the school year starts. Between getting everyone ready, packing up lunches in backpacks, tending to the pets, and making a nutritious breakfast for the kids, my husband and I feel like we’re running a marathon every morning. God forbid the school has some obscure spirit day that requires the kids to wear a very particular and nowhere to be found article of clothing. With classes coming up, I know that brainstorming creative breakfast ideas for kids every day is the last thing I’ll have time for.
To avoid future chaos, I developed a rotation of quick and easy breakfasts that require minimal cooking. We still sprinkle in eggs, bacon, and other items a couple of times a week when time allows, but this rotation really minimizes the effort. My kids are all about presentation anyway, so instead of spending my time cooking, I use that time to add a fun topping that’ll entice them. These are the six easy breakfasts I keep on rotation:
Smoothies are the GOAT of easy breakfasts, and by using frozen fruit and dairy milk, they’re a low-effort way to load the kids up with nutrients first thing in the morning. I recently learned that frozen fruit is just as healthy as fresh fruit. Sometimes even more so since they are frozen right at peak ripeness, which preserves nutrients and antioxidants. And not to nerd out even more, but I also learned that dairy milk is a nutritional powerhouse that doesn’t get nearly enough credit these days. It contains calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein, and vitamin B12, plus eight more essential nutrients (yes, including lactose-free milk). Not to mention, a gallon of dairy milk costs less than plant-based alternatives1, which don’t offer the same combination of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and high-quality protein that dairy milk does.
My family calls this dish “farina,” but it’s more commonly known as cream of wheat. It’s warm, comforting, a good source of iron, and fortified with vitamin B, calcium, and vitamin D. We buy the instant version, which cooks in the microwave in about a minute. There are plain and maple brown sugar pre-flavored packs available, but we get the plain version and add a smaller amount of sweetener.
You can keep parfaits simple or dress them up as much as you want, according to your kids’ preferences. I prefer to use protein-rich granola, especially if I don’t have time to make eggs or bacon as a side. You can also add chia seeds, which are high in fiber and aid in digestion.
Making overnight oats requires prepping the night before, but I find it much easier to do that once the kids are in bed. It’s always the biggest relief waking up the next day and remembering that breakfast is already handled.
I swear by store-bought frozen pancakes for busy weekday mornings. I pop them in our toaster oven for a few minutes, spread on yogurt, cream cheese, or sunflower butter, and then top with protein granola and sliced fruit. The kids fold them up and, bam, pancake tacos! These pair nicely with a glass of chocolate milk, which, yes, still has all the same great nutrients as regular dairy milk.
My husband and I are part of the generation that was raised on fruity cereals for breakfast. When we’re in a real rush with zero time to cook, we pull a page out of the ’90s parenting book and whip up a trusty bowl of fortified cereal and milk. The kids love strawberry frosted wheat cereals, which contain protein, iron, and vitamins B12 and B6. Combined with dairy milk’s 13 essential nutrients, this quick and easy breakfast is packed with vitamins and minerals the kids need.
Since becoming a young mama in 2020, Steph has found joy in creating beautiful yet relatable content surrounding the raw realities of motherhood. She believes showcasing both the wonders and struggles of being a parent helps other mothers understand that they are not alone in their journey.
This post is sponsored by Gonna Need Milk, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
