Breakfast Hero

Save The Morning / Save The Day

Hero:  Someone who comes to the aid of another or puts her personal values into civic action.  Heroes risk personal harm to save the day.

Why it’s important:  Our heroes clarify and define the values we choose for ourselves.  Character is shaped by personal values. 

The Problem:  Heroes influence through actions; words alone won't cut it. Action is risky to the parent-hero; risk of being wrong, harshly judged, or unappreciated.

The Tip

Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Peacemaker Parents know the importance of starting the day happy and successful.  Tricky considering that a child’s idea of happy and a parent’s idea of happy may be pulling in opposite directions. 

Get clever and even break some ‘rules’ by serving this tasty and healthy treat for breakfast.

Step 1:  Waffle Recipe

Find a healthy waffle recipe, like this Whole Grain version by All Recipes

Step 2:  Ditch the Syrup

Instead of syrup and butter (sugar and fat) top the waffle with a low fat ice cream.  I use Edy’s Slow Churned Vanilla Bean. 

Compare the Nutrition:

             Edy's Ice Cream                           Aunt Jemima + Butter

Calories       100                                             310

Fat Cal.         30                                             100

Sugar             12g                                             22g

Sodium           35mg                                        210mg

Protein            2g                                               0g

Step 3:  Random Surprise

Serve the breakfast of champions on a regular ol’ day not linked to a great test score or a birthday.

Step 4: Yes, You’ve Gone Crazy 

Let your kids think you’re loony while they eat this obviously unhealthy breakfast.  Allow them to love the ‘naughtiness’ along with the tasty treat.

Step 5:  Reveal Cleverness

After dishes are cleared reveal the truth about the not-so-naughty breakfast.  Compare the nutrition information and let them know you’ve made sure they are prepared to win the day.

Benefits  Happy 360°

Body:  Adding complex carbs to the start of the day is awesome!  Don’t take my word for it, take it from Harvard.

Mind:  “High sugar consumption impaired cognitive abilities . . .” Just one the findings published recently in the Journal of Psychology.

Heart:  Parent-heroes feel love and appreciation and  kids do too. Another awesome 2fer!

Influence:  Parent-heroes shape a child’s character.

Promise Kept:  We promised to teach our kids how to stay true to themselves.  By demonstrating clever ways in which to satisfy their need to be happy -- 360° -- we're making good on that promise.

Related Articles: Moving in Opposite Directions, A Selfish Golfer

Related Tip of the Week: Make Sense, Peer Pressure

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