Simplify your morning routine with these simple breakfast ideas that kids can make themselves!
What is YOYO?
YOYO stands for “You’re On Your Own”. I was first introduced to this idea several years ago and quickly implemented it in our home.
Why we do YOYO breakfast for kids
Since we homeschool, many mornings we aren’t on the same schedule. I may get busy with the baby or prepping for the day before the kids get up. One kid may sleep in later than the others. and somedays I’m the one struggling to get out of bed when the kids are up and hungry.
While we don’t do it everyday, there have been seasons where YOYO breakfast has been more frequent in our home. I created this printable to allow my kids to know what options they may have for breakfast if they are “on their own”, and I do my best to keep these basic items on hand. From time to time we don’t have bagels or hard boiled eggs, but much of these things are common staples in any kitchen.
Once my oldest turned 8 or 9 she learned to cook eggs on the stove, and can now at 10 years old make several things like sausage or bacon, but I have not included them in this list. Kids are capable!! Don’t forget to take the time to teach them, and you will reap the rewards as they grow.
How to Prepare Your Kids for YOYO
Unless your kids have spent a lot of time in the kitchen watching and helping you make these foods already, don’t expect to hang this printable on the fridge and sleep in tomorrow morning. It will take some time and training to give your kids the skills to do this on their own, but don’t let that overwhelm you.
Make each item for your kids several times making sure they are generally watching what you are doing. This may take weeks of breakfasts.
Show them where the different ingredients are kept and what their packages look like. Also familiarize them with any small appliances such as a toaster or blender (we have a magic bullet), how to use them and where they are stored.
Then, when you think they are ready, give your child a food to prepare and stay with them in the kitchen watching to be sure they know what to do, where to find things, and give tips or instructions as needed. Don’t forget cleaning up is part of cooking!
Once they can make several things on their own, they can start YOYO breakfast and continue to learn more dishes and variations over time.
Be patient and try to not get too upset by messes or mistakes. They are learning important lifelong skills!
Post the YOYO printable on the fridge or a prominent area in the kitchen where they can easily see it. Even after nearly a year of YOYO my kids still look at the poster for breakfast ideas. Not everyone’s brain wakes up running in high gear. We all can use reminders! If possibly laminate the printable or place it in a plastic page protector.
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