A teacher notices several students appear tired and irritable mid-morning and suspects breakfast skipping. Which family-based action is most evidence-aligned and feasible to reduce these negative outcomes?

• A. Delay the school day start by two hours so children can sleep later and skip breakfast without cognitive or mood consequences.
• B. Mandate that children consume only protein shakes in the morning to prevent cravings, because liquid meals are always superior to solid foods for learning outcomes.
• C. Encourage an early, simple breakfast routine at home or ensure participation in the school breakfast program (e.g., whole-grain toast with peanut butter and a piece of fruit), which addresses morning hunger, supports cognition, and reduces the likelihood of overeating later in the day.
• D. Require students to fast until lunch to normalize hunger patterns and reduce variability in classroom behavior, since shared experiences increase group focus.

Answer: (C)