With the school season in full swing, we know many parents spend time mentally preparing for the battle of the morning: ensuring everyone is up, ready and out the door on time. A recent Quaker study found that families tend to spend two to three hours getting organized in the morning. From helping with socks and shoes, putting toothpaste on toothbrushes, providing breakfast and preparing lunches, morning routines can seem insurmountable. But they don’t have to be.
Cue the #SpoonDrop moment – the moment of success for parents who have harnessed the versatility of Quaker Oats to provide simple breakfast and lunch options that are kid-friendly and healthy.
To help you win the battle and own mornings, here are some tips from chef and mom Claire Tansey:
1. Prep the night before – tasks like packing lunches, prepping backpacks and taking care of baths/ showers that can be done before you go to bed can really save a ton of time in the morning when you have other battles to win and yourself to prepare for the day. Even just a half hour of prep work in the evening can save a huge headache in the morning!
2. Get the kids involved – If your little ones feel like they played a role in deciding some of the key components of the morning routine, like choosing their outfit, adding a snack to their lunchbox or picking music for the car ride, they’re more likely to be enthusiastic about their morning tasks, making things a little easier on you.
3. Pick customizable options in the kitchen – balancing nutrition and flavour is always tough when it comes to breakfast, and we just want the kids fed so we can get out the door. Picking a base like hearty, nutritious oats that can be easily personalized based on each of your family members’ preferences will make a huge difference in speeding up breakfast with options your kids love and you can feel good about. Oats can be dressed up with fruit, nut butters, coconut or seeds depending on your child’s preference. A family favourite at my house for fall is pumpkin pie oatmeal, and the recipe can be found on spoondrop.ca.
4. Have a routine – Having a consistent routine creates calm and predictability for your family especially small kids. Wake children up at the same time each day and establish consistent expectations (i.e. “get dressed before you come downstairs”). When everyone knows what’s to come in the morning, it makes the whole system more efficient.
We want to help you achieve your own #SpoonDrop moment! Enter your email below for the chance to win a delux Quaker Oats prize pack that includes:
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal
• Silicon Baking Sheet
• Kitchen Utensils
• Yogurt-2-Go Container
• Single Serving Blender
• Popsicle Molds
• $50 VISA gift card
Simply enter to win this contest by filling out the form below. Contest ends on October 10th, Canadian residents only, limit one entry per person please. Good luck!
By entering this contest, you’re also signing up to receive emails from VITA. All good stuff (we promise).
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