morning routines and what to eat for breakfast

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The most chaotic part of my family’s day is, by far, the mornings. We’re heading a million different ways all at once, trying to find shoes, backpacks, and where the dog went. One thing that is always a priority in the midst of all of that is making sure everyone eats a healthy breakfast. And getting everyone to eat breakfast becomes easier if it’s something that is quick, easy, and nutritious.

Mornings in our house start quietly with just me up (it’s the calmest part of my day, for sure) getting ready for work. I’m all about getting as much done the night before because I’m guaranteed to be running late or forgetting something in my six AM stupor. So I get my work bag, gym clothes, and lunch ready the night before so I can just grab them and go. I eat breakfast on the drive in to work so if I can’t eat it while driving, it’s not happening. Which is why Tyson Day Starts from Walmart work so well for me. I can just pop one in the microwave while I’m getting my things together and it’s ready to grab in minutes.

Soon after that door shuts, Chris and the girls are up getting ready too. Getting himself ready for work and two little girls ready for school (different schools with different start times, by the way) is hectic and rushed. No matter how early you get those little rascals up, they still take longer than you have. It’s like a kid-rule or something: Dad gave us 35 minutes to eat breakfast, but I think today I’m going to need 43.

Kids, I tell ya.

So while Chris is getting ready, the girls are hopefully eating breakfast. Normally they’re just arguing or feeding the dog, so serving them Tyson Day Starts greatly improves our chances of them actually consuming the food we give them. Add a side of berries and milk and we’ve giving our kids a great, filling start to their day. As a teacher, I witness the effects of a good breakfast (or lack of a good breakfast) every day. It’s truly that important.

Then once the girls are done, Chris is just sitting down (or more likely standing up…) to eat his breakfast. He’ll enjoy his with coffee and we’re all better because of it. Daddy without coffee is grouchy.

Eating as a family is an important part of our day, but that has to wait until dinner time. Breakfast is crazy and in shifts, like most households. Breakfast is about survival and dinner is about reconnecting. Or maybe it’s just us, I’m sure some magical family has family breakfast every morning where it’s quiet and calm. And then fairies clean up the dishes and unicorns make the beds.

I want to live with that family.

But until then, we’re sticking with Tyson Day Starts and fresh fruit for breakfast. And if you happen to see those fairies, send them my way.