It’s the time of year that parents cheer and kids dread — back to school!

The backpacks have been packed with empty notebooks waiting to be filled with knowledge, indoor and outdoor shoes have been bought (Bonus points for light-ups!), and the fall wear has made its way to the front of the closet—everything is good to go for the first day.

But wait! Flashback to last year: the alarm didn’t go off on time, you forgot to sign the permission slip the night before, and your daughter’s left shoe is totally M.I.A. The idea of making a well-balanced breakfast for you and your family has just been moved down the priority list.

Breakfast is by far the most important meal of the day, especially for children. For their bodies and brains to function for the rest of the day, a healthy and hearty meal to start the morning is crucial. So to help out all the busy parents, we have compiled some quick and easy breakfast ideas you can whip up before your little ones hop on the bus!

MONDAY
Wouldn’t it be grand to awaken to the smell of your breakfast being made for you? This dream can be a reality with Slow cooker oatmeal with coconut, banana and almonds, from our friends Ceri and Laura of Sweet Potato Chronicles. All you have to do is prep it the night before (we promise it’s super easy), wake up, and tuck in! Not only will this yummy meal fuel your children for the day, you’ll have extra time to make lunches and organize your own day.

TUESDAY
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to pack a lot of nutrition into one delicious drink. You have complete control of what goes in, so don’t be afraid to add a little veg! We promise, the kids won’t notice the difference! For a little inspiration, refer to Dr. Joey’s detox smoothie or this tasty Pinkie Pie strawberry smoothie and feel free to take out or add in whatever you prefer!

WEDNESDAY
Look to your microwave for a quick breakfast! Muffins in a minute? Yep, it’s possible! These Applesauce flax microwave muffins are a quick fix to getting your kids fed and out the door. Best part? These are rich in fibre and a healthy alternative to the usual sugary muffins.

THURSDAY
Eggs are a sure-fire way to make a meal nutritious and fill up your children’s bellies! Not only is the Toad in a Hole egg breakfast a fast way to get your kids fed, it will also appeal to the stubborn morning eaters with its creative display! Pair your egg with whole grain toast and a piece of fruit to start your child’s day right.

FRIDAY
Everyone loves pancakes, and if you don’t, well, let’s just agree to disagree! Pancakes are a fun breakfast option your children will look forward to at the end of a busy week. They sometimes get a bad rap for being too sugary and buttery to resemble a “well-balanced meal.” This is where Wholegrain Pancakes come in. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup or agave syrup for a tasty treat. Consider making a double batch on the weekend and refrigerate the extra cakes — warm them up in a skillet or toaster oven to make pancakes even easier on a weekday!

What is your early morning go-to breakfast during the school year? Leave your favourite in the comments below!