Darian is in 4th grade and has recently started playing basketball. He’s started going to sleep earlier so he can wake up early for practice before school. Therefore, he doesn’t usually have time to eat breakfast. Darian’s parents have noticed that he’s been struggling with his grades in school recently, and that he’s been in a bad mood more often. What is the most likely cause of this?

• A. His school meals are too high in sugar.
• B. He has been skipping breakfast on school days.
• C. He has started playing a new sport.
• D. A combination of all the above.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the importance of breakfast in nutrition, especially for children. Breakfast provides essential energy and nutrients needed for concentration, mood regulation, and overall cognitive function throughout the school day.
2. Step 2: Recognize that skipping breakfast can lead to low blood sugar levels, which may cause difficulty focusing, irritability, and decreased academic performance, as the brain lacks the fuel it needs to function optimally.
3. Step 3: Analyze the scenario where Darian is waking up early for basketball practice but not eating breakfast, which likely results in insufficient energy intake during the morning hours.
4. Step 4: Consider the symptoms observed by Darian’s parents—struggling with grades and mood changes—as common consequences of inadequate morning nutrition rather than the other options provided.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most likely cause of Darian’s issues is skipping breakfast on school days, emphasizing the role of regular, balanced meals in supporting both physical activity and cognitive performance.