We’re a month into the school year and I now remember what the morning routine looks like- kids coming down half asleep, homework flying all over, someone can’t find a shoe and no one can think of what they want to eat for breakfast... plus, we have a rambunctious 8- month old to add the mix, so quite an adventure! I’m sure your story is similar to mine so lately I’ve been looking for solutions to the morning hectic- ness!
Some of the habits that work for our family are:
1. Make sure all homework is completed, signed and in the knapsack the night before school. (Sounds so simple, but we always get tripped up when one kid remembers that “one more thing” in the morning!)
2. Place shoes and jackets at a designated spot near the door.
3. Keep an extra brush, comb and ponytails handy for when your kids ‘forgot’ to do their hair as they are running out the door.
4. Place a dry erase board or calendar in the kitchen to jot down things to remember that day- think permission slips, play dates and early dismissals. (If you’re anything like me you typically forget all the above things plus if you are really like me, your phone is always either dead or lost!)
5. Designate age appropriate tasks to your kids and hold them accountable every single day. Younger kids can choose their snacks, and some can even check out the next day’s weather and pick out their clothing. Older kids can prepare their lunch the night before with a little help from mom!
This recipe is another way to reduce the morning insanity- it’s a winner for babies, kids and their moms- that’s right, we all agreed that these are delicious, which is VERY rare! My older girls want these for breakfast or in their lunchbox, my baby will gladly eat them on her own by clawing the muffin with her nails and happily sucking, chewing and licking away. Mom can pack these to go anywhere the morning is taking her- carpool, gym and office approved! This recipe is infinitely adaptable, just add your favorite flavors and mixins!
If you are using this as a first food for your baby, consider adding in an allergen food you’d like to introduce- think 2 tablespoons almond butter, tahini paste or any nut milk.
Lastly, notice that there is NO sweetener other than bananas in this recipe unlike a lot of packaged baby food these days! Check out this recent baby food exposè by the Food Babe Vani Hari
Blueberry Breakfast Muffins
3 medium bananas, mashed
2 tbsp avocado oil
Splash vanilla
1/2 cup almond milk or other non dairy milk
I 1/2 cups spelt flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons nut butter, any variety
Blueberries, about 5-6 in each muffin
Pinch, salt
Splash vanilla
Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine. Mix and pour into muffin cups. Bake on 350 about 20 minutes until done.