Terrific Tip Tuesday

MORNING MENU

In our house we have a "you get what you get" mentality for most meals, except for weekday breakfasts. On those mornings, I give the kids a choice, usually simple items like waffles, toast, or cereal. This can be a difficult decision for toddlers and preschoolers who have just gotten out of bed and are still a little "out of sorts" (i.e. cranky, tired, and hungry as a bear.) I got a great tip from a fellow mother (of 4, bless her!) on how she's made mornings easier at her house. She takes an "order" the night before at the dinner table, asking each child what he or she would like for breakfast the next morning. The choices are simple ones, mostly hot or cold cereals, and the kids have all of dinner to think about it and make their decision. Their choices are then put up on a chalkboard (a notepad or dry erase would work as well) and she can have their breakfasts ready and on the table in no time in the morning...no complaints, right?! She says complaints have been minimal, since she reminds them that they made the choice. I just like the idea of less discussion with cranky little ones in the morning!