School-age kids are much easier to feed than toddlers are. They enjoy eating with the family and trying new foods, and have outgrown much of their fussiness. To help them grow and stay healthy:

• Encourage independence. Let your children start making their own food choices, for example, which cereal to have for breakfast or what type of sandwich to bring for lunch. Offer a choice of healthful options that you approve of!
  
• Start the day off right - School kids can only make the grade if they start the day with a full tummy. Children who eat breakfast in the morning can concentrate better in school and this helps them learn better. No matter how busy the morning, easy-to-prepare hot cereal, like Cream of Wheat, as part of a well balanced breakfast starts the morning off right. A serving of Instant Cream of Wheat provides an excellent source of Iron and Calcium plus 6 essential vitamins and minerals. With 5 delicious flavors, your kids are sure to find one they'll like.
  
• Use the Food Guide Pyramid as your primer. The Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children, suitable for kids up to age 6, and the standard Food Guide Pyramid show moms and older kids how to put together a smart diet that fuels growing children. Continue to keep calcium and iron in mind by following guidelines for the Milk and Meat Groups, and choosing fortified grain foods like breakfast cereal and bread.

Breakfast comes easier when you visit our Mix In Ideas.