6 Quick, Easy, and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Back to School

Parenting isn't easy - we didn't need to tell you that.  You work, take your kids to school, cook, clean, make appointments, etc. Some days time just isn't on your side. We get it, and we're here to help with our 6 quick and easy breakfasts for kids (and maybe the kids can help just a little bit, too)

 1. Smoothies are amazing. Just grab items, stick in a blender, push a button and viola, we're done! They're perfect for when it's hot, perfect for athletes, perfect for anything.  Throw in some Strawberries, Bananas, Yogurt, Ice and a dash of milk makes a great fruit smoothie!  Another favorite combines a few scoops of peanut butter, banana, a dash of chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream or yogurt and bam you have peanut buttery deliciousness.  Letting your little ones decide what to throw in the blender makes it even more fun - but make sure you're the one pushing the button! They're more prone to eating it if they knew they had a hand in help make it :-)  It makes it more fun to throw it in a special bottle! hint, hint.

2. Pancakes. Now this may take some bit of preparation time but they cook extremely quickly so it counts. We've made the on the go version of the classic flap jacks. We suggest wheat banana mini pancakes or cinnamon apple ring dippers.  Smaller pancakes make its easier for little hands to dip and eat (and especially makes it easier to take on the go for those rushed mornings).  Feeling a little more fancy and have the time - everyone loves the classic Mickey Mouse pancake shapes (just scoop out three circles and you're done!) Put some syrup into a cup and some dippers into a bowl or cup. Just dip, munch, and let's hit the road jack!  

3. Yogurt parfait. Yogurt, fruit, granola is all that's needed for this simple dish! You can prep this the night before and leave it to chill in your kid's favorite cup. Add the granola on top the next morning to avoid soggy oats. They'll have fun looking at all the layers and excited to eat it. They'll enjoy the sweet cupped treat and it may be a nice surprise from a bowl. 

When on the go, plastic canteens with bottom food containers are extremely helpful - especially to keep the granola separated!

4. Maple berry oatmeal. Oatmeal contains everything you need. But it may be hard to get one to like those earthy oats unless you jazz it up. Add honey or even a bit of maple syrup. Cut up fruit and make your own toppings. You can even find baked recipe options if you want to get creative. 

5. Peanut butter and Jelly Muffins Cooking in bulk is such a time saver. Bake up some breakfast for the week (while you're also working on the school's bake sale).  Make your muffins with creamy peanut butter fillings and add cinnamon, raisin and bananas to your muffin mix for extra nutrition. When serving you can even put jelly on the side!

Does the photo have you mouth watering for them? Then check out Minimalist Baker for the full recipe!  

6. Breakfast Banana Split Who doesn't like banana splits? Add your favorite toppings like granola, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.  Instead of ice cream, because who eats ice cream for breakfast??, use yogurt.  Your kids will get a kick out this one as it looks like a legit banana split!