WHY CHOOSE
American Leadership Academy (ALA) Coastal is a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school with a quality pre-k program established in 2017 and located in New Hanover County on Pandion Drive, one mile from New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC). ALA
Coastal focuses on a classical, values-based education that provides authentic learning opportunities and develops the whole student for citizenship, teamwork, service, and scholarship.
It’s finally… May! From the chance to spend more time rambling through Wilmington’s epic number of trails, parks, and beaches, to the increasingly wonderful option of dining outside (whether on a picnic blanket or at an outdoor cafe), this vibrant new season brings with it a host of ways to spend quality time with our youngsters, to connect as a family, and to make space for some ever-important self-care.
Just for you, we’ve packed this issue with our favorite ways to make this season shine. You’ll find a comprehensive list of family-friendly outdoor cycling adventures, self-care tips specially for moms, and a special section overflowing with date night highlights to make an evening out count. We’ve curated healthy recipes your kids will love, great new reads from award-winning authors, and a host of other resources that will keep you and your kiddos loving every day of this season.
Here’s to the springtime ahead. To new buds, unexpected blooms, and vibrant colors. Here’s to you on your parenting journey, and the adventures this next month holds.
Cheers,
Publisher
Brad McCrory
brad@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Editor-in-Chief
Phina Pipia phina@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Creative Director
Yulia Zarubina - Brill yulia@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
brad@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Opinions/Suggestions/Feedback
We value our reader’s opinionshelp us to serve you better! You can email us at brad@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
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© Wilmington Parent 2025
Wilmington Family Media LLC
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Not-to-BeMissed Events for This Month
As usual, Wilmington springs to life in May, with everything from outdoor storytimes to family farm days, art gatherings to beach walks. As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to provide meaningful, educational, and just pure fun experiences for our youngsters, and luckily, our city has it all.
Hands-On Experiences
Family Farm Day
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Cost: CMoW Members: $5, General Admission: $15
Meet your favorite barnyard animals up-close in a day packed with hands-on learning, crafts, and activities geared towards the importance of gardening, sustainability, and healthy eating. Tap your toes and clap your hands as a family during the interactive line dancing event, and from goats to bunnies and even a pig, youngsters will love getting to know and learning about all kinds of adorable and fascinating creatures. Even better, participants will get to take home their very own garden-themed surprise. This family-centered celebration of sustainability and farming will spark youngsters’ interest in our planet and the creatures and plants that inhabit it
Island STEAM Club: Art Creations - Duct Tape Flowers
Tuesday, May 20, 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Where: Pleasure Island Library
Cost: Free! (Registration Required)
In the tradition of making art out of anything, learn to create Duct Tape Flowers with your youngsters at the Pleasure Island Library.
Mary’s Art Explorers: The Candy Dish
Thursday, May 22, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
CAM Members: $5 per child
Not-Yet Members: $10 per child
An ideal storytime for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, join the CAM community for a reading of The Candy Dish by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Adelina Lirius. The storytime is followed by a story-inspired craft.
Special Library Events
Outside Noisy Storytime
When: Monday, May 19, 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Where: Outside Shelter, Northeast Library
Cost: Free
As the weather gets warmer, your youngster can get their sillies out at this special outdoor story hour led by the Northeast Library’s wonderful youth librarians.
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn
When: Monday mornings, 10:30am - 12:00 pm (no gathering on May 26)
Where: Located at both the Pine Valley and Main Libraries
Fun abounds in this playtime geared specifically for children ages 0-5. Led by Smart Start of NHC, join the group for creative activities and a snack.
Yoga Storytime
When: Tuesday, May 20, 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Where: Pleasure Island Library
Cost: Free but Registration Required
Bring a blanket or yoga mat, and take part in a welcoming, easy parent-and-me yoga storytime. A great way to stay physical while enjoying the educational benefits of reading.
Teen Poetry Club
When: First Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
A relaxed, creative-writing focused hour where participants explore different poetry forms and structures, and experiment in different styles. A great opportunity for teen writers.
Cost: Free for kids ages 12 - 18
Book-Lovers Corner!
A monthly showcase of great books young readers absolutely love, hand-picked by tutoring experts, librarians, children’s authors, and of course, parents like you! With special recommendations for toddlers, early readers, middle grades, and teens, this section is jam-packed each month with books that will capture your child’s imagination and ignite a lifelong love of literature.
Young Readers
Our top pick specially for readers from preschool to grade 2.
The Book That Almost Rhymed
Written by Omar Abed
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
A laugh-out-loud tale that enchants young audiences, the author reimagines the art of storytelling through the voices of two young siblings. When a big brother realizes his interrupting sister might just be making his tale even better, he realizes that sharing the narrative is the answer. What follows is storytelling at its very best.
Middle Grade
Our pick, specially selected for children from grades 3-5
Home
Written by Isabelle Simler
Illustrated by the author
A captivating book of poetry that takes readers on a tour through twenty seven different animal homes; from treetop bedrooms to lakeside dams and holes in cacti. Children are introduced to life cycles, biological concepts, and the interconnectedness of our planet in a gorgeously imagined story that interweaves verse, imagery, and the beauty of the natural world.
Older Readers
Our pick for this month, best for readers between grades 6-8.
The Things We Miss
Written by Leah Stecher
When seventh grader J.P. discovers a door in her neighbor’s treehouse, she walks through and discovers she has traveled three days into the future. This means she is able to anticipate and skip all the worst parts of seventh grade. But this strategy has its consequences. Can you live life without any of the bad parts? This book artfully approaches themes of mental health and body image in a story that keeps young readers engaged from the first sentence.
Pedal Your Way to Happiness
Even if you’re a seasoned cyclist, the idea of biking with kids can feel overwhelming.
What’s the best bike seat to use? Should I invest in a cargo bike? How far is too far for a kiddo to bicycle? And, um, what if I get a flat tire?
As spring evolves into summer, there’s nothing quite like getting out on bicycles as a family, and there are myriad methods to incorporating bikes into your weekly routine, from getting in the habit of biking to summer camp or library storytime, to incorporating a family bike ride into your regular weekend plans.
To make your job easier, we’ve curated our favorite Wilmington bike routes, selected nine different bicycle setups to choose from, put together a comprehensive list of family biking tips, and of course, the benefits of getting out on bicycles.
Whether you’re new to cycling and want a rewarding and beautiful way to connect with your youngsters, or you’re an experienced cyclist who’s a first-time parent, these tips will help you gain confidence when taking the whole family out on the bike path.
Gary Shell
Cross-City Trail
15 Miles
Best for older children or for youngsters tucked safely in a buggy or bike seat, the Gary Sheel Cross-City Trail will take you from Wrightsville Beach and through the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus. Round out the day by making a stop at the Cameron Art Museum - right on the route - for an art tour or hands-on activity before pedaling your way through the trail’s final miles.
River to Sea Bikeway
11 Miles
Follow the Historic Beach Car Line, which historically carried vacationers from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach by trolley. With its gorgeous finale at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, this winding combination between an on and off-road cycling route wends through Wilmington and gives you something to sink your cycling teeth into. A heads up that this route isn’t exclusively on trails, and riders can expect to share roads with cars at times.
Blue Clay Park
8 Miles
Boasting the most extensive bike trail in New Hanover County with its recently updated network and plenty of beginner and intermediate options to choose from, the Blue Clay Park trails are especially well suited to mountain bikers and folks comfortable cycling off-road on dirt paths.
Have fun exploring and keep a lookout for tree roots and the places where the road crosses the trail!
Island Greenway
1.2 Miles
The Island Greenway wends a lovely route through the picturesque town of Carolina Beach on Pleasure Island. Expect an easy, paved path that’s short enough for youngsters just starting to try out their own wheels.
Carolina Beach Lake Park
1.2 Miles
Just two blocks from the beach, this easy and accessible greenway path in Carolina Beach circles near and around the 11 acre freshwater lake. An idyllic landscape for cyclists, this path is especially well-loved by families for its inclusive playground, gazebo, and picnic areas. Take a mid-ride break to recharge on the lake’s shore or make your riding destination the park’s engaging play area.
Wrightsville
Beach Park
2.45 Miles
A favorite for families who love to ride by the sea and are looking for smooth, easy sailing, you’ll find more than ten miles of flat bike paths with an accessible 2.45 miles along the shore that’s great for families out for a weekend cycle. Riders are particularly fond of morning rides along the shore before the heat of the day and when the sun is sparkling on the water.
www.ravensguardbjj.com
But Wait… What Bike Setup is Right for My Family?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of different options for biking with kids, you’re not alone. From trailers to cargo bikes and everything in between, today, parents can choose from myriad setups tailored to their particular preferences and needs.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) children are typically ready to be carried in a bike seat or bike trailer after they reach 12 months of age, which is around the time infants develop the neck strength needed to hold their head up to wear a helmet. Be mindful that all children are different, and it’s best to consult with your family doctor or pediatrician before setting out on a bike with very young children.
The following recommendations are for children aged 12 months and up.
Child Bike Seats
For kids about ages 1-4 (or up to about 40 pounds) Bike seats for youngsters are usually mounted in the rear of your bicycle, but a few models are mounted up front, which provides the benefit of keeping your child close so that your ride can be truly interactive. Riding with a bike seat can take some getting used to, because it will change the weight and balance of your bicycle. Some experts recommend practicing with a pretend “load” in the bike seat before riding with your child. Once you and your child are ready, remember that it’s important for your child to be old enough to fully support their head independently in order to safely ride in a child bike seat.
Balance Bikes
Great for kids ages 2-5
These great setups have a simple design that’s specially made for children to learn the steering, balance, and proprioception needed to pedal a standard bicycle. Kids adore scooting along on these immersive cycles, which are lower to the ground, lighter weight, and more adaptable to various terrain than most training wheel bicycles. This design allows children to go at their own pace; pushing themselves while coasting along and using their feet as breaks when needed.
Bicycle Trailers
Great for kids up to about 6 years old
A stable option with a low center of gravity and - for
many riders - easier to maneuver than rear or front mounted bicycle seats, bike trailers are great for taking one or more youngsters along with you for the ride. Because they sit just a few inches above the ground, it’s important to use a safety flag for visibility to drivers and other cyclists.
Cargo Bikes
Perfect for children young and old
One of the most adaptable forms of family biking, these sturdy rides can carry heavier loads than is typical on a standard bike, and they allow you to carry more than one child at a time. Many parents choose electric assist to aid in carrying one or more children, and whether you choose electric or to ride the old fashioned way, there are several different types of cargo bike setup to choose from; with youngsters sitting on a bench on the rear rack, in a front bucket, or strapped into a bike seat.
1.Longtail Cargo Bikes
These nifty versions of a cargo bike allow you to carry your child on an extended rear rack that sits over the back wheel. Kids ride in child seats that are mounted on the rack or sit on the rack itself.
2.Front Loading Cargo Bikes
Kids ride in a box or other container mounted on the front cargo rack between the handlebars and the front wheel.
Trailer Bikes
For children 4 and up
These single-wheeled trailer bicycles are attached to your seatpost or rear rack so they can pivot for turning. These bikes pack the advantage that young riders can pedal along and feel engaged and essential in the ride. You may also find that you can cycle longer distances than your child’s stamina would allow when they are riding independently.
Training Wheel Bikes
For children ages 3-4 and up
These are - of course - the bicycles many of us adults learned to ride on, and training wheels are still a great option for some youngsters, although many experts recommend balance bikes as a newer, more integrated option for young riders. With training wheels, you give your child a little extra help balancing, and these attachments can then of course be removed once your child is ready to ride on their own.
Kids’ Bikes
Kids ages about 5 and up
Most young riders will be ready to ride their own twowheeler at about five years and up. But remember that all kiddos are different, and there’s no “right” moment to start. Pay attention to where your child is on their biking journey, and when they are ready, take the time to find the proper fit so that they have the confidence and control they need to ride safely and happily.
Bike Tips for Families
Helmets for Everyone
Helmets save lives every day, and making sure your child is in the habit of putting on a helmet not only protects them in the moment, but builds a healthy habit they’ll carry with them into the future.
Bike Often
Creating a habit around biking normalizes the experience of heading out for a ride, and it’s no longer a big deal to strap on a helmet or climb into that bike seat. The more you bike, the more opportunities you’ll find for biking.
Manage Your Expectations
Biking with your kiddos isn’t going to be the same as hitting the road on your own, with your friends, or a partner. Keep your expectations realistic, provide encouragement and support, and let the younger generation set the pace.
Work it In
Sometimes, it feels like you have to adapt your life or schedule to fit biking in. Instead, think of where cycling may be a natural fit. Could you do a Saturday morning grocery run… on bicycles? Instead of driving to the park, could you cycle there? Once you’re in the habit of biking, you’ll be amazed how many opportunities present themselves.
Become a Flat Tire Expert
For short rides around the block, strolling back to base isn’t a biggie, but it can be a real bummer to walk your bikes back to the trailhead if you get a flat on a longer ride. The great news? Changing flat tires is actually quick and easy, and just takes a little practice. Get in the habit of changing your flats and practice at home before longer
rides. Even better? Older kids and teens can try it out, too! When flat tires aren’t a big deal, biking becomes way less stressful.
Be the Lookout
Most children aren’t able to accurately judge speed, distance, or sound of oncoming traffic until about age 10. That means it’s your job to be the lookout, to anticipate intersections, and to look out for your kiddo
Grow + Change
Remember, all the methods of bicycling mentioned above are appropriate for a finite amount of time, and children grow quickly. Remember to evolve your biking habits to fit your child’s maturity level.
Plan Your Route
Pick routes with kid-friendly stops along the way. These can be simple elements like a quiet picnic stop in a nearby park, a bakery en route, or even an art museum or a play date. Set a clear finishing point with a little reward at the end so that youngsters have something to look forward to, like arriving home for an afternoon snack.
Pack Snacks
Bike panniers or saddle bags can make carrying plenty of snacks easy. Kids are burning calories constantly, so making sure there’s some yummy protein-packed eats for when everyone gets the munchies can make all the difference.
Keep it Flexible
Biking includes so many variables, including energy levels and weather. Make sure you have an alternate plan in place just in case your ultimate destination feels a little too far away.
Me Time For Moms
It was a May morning, sunlight streaming through the kitchen window. Moments earlier, I’d slammed a copper-bottomed Revere Ware pot onto the floor so hard it dented. My kids were bickering, and my husband’s innocent question came at exactly the wrong time. I was spinning out of control. As I stared out the window, trying to compose myself, one thought reverberated: This has to change.
I didn’t want to be the mom who lost her cool. I didn’t want to be the woman unraveling at the seams.
That moment was a turning point. At 34, I realized I couldn’t keep pouring from an empty cup without consequences. Tiny change by tiny change, I wove moments of care and calm into my days—moments just for me. And over time, those moments added up.
Now, I’ve learned when we take care of ourselves, we don’t just survive—we thrive. This isn’t about spa days or elaborate plans. It’s about finding satisfying ways to live fully now.
True North
I get up before everyone else, savoring the quiet and the space to remember what matters. While my tea brews, I unload the dishwasher and set out breakfast dishes—a small act that clears the space and my mind.
Then comes my favorite part. Tea in hand, toast on a plate, I settle into my comfy chair. Here, in the stillness, I let myself wake up. Sometimes I write in my journal, letting dreams or concerns spill onto the page. Other times, I read a few lines from an uplifting book or sit, savoring the warmth of the tea and the quiet of the house. My rule? No devices until after breakfast. Instead, I might turn on a soft morning playlist, keeping the lights dim until the sun rises.
This half-hour isn’t about productivity —it’s about remembering who I want to be. These rituals act as anchors, setting my compass back to true north before the day sweeps me away. And when everyone wakes up, I’m ready—with open arms—for the first hugs of the day.
Why it Works
Morning routines like this create a psychological “buffer zone” between sleep and the demands of the day, reducing stress and promoting emotional regulation. Journaling and reflection activate the brain’s default mode network, which fosters creativity and problem-solving. By starting the day with intentionality, you’re less reactive and likely to approach challenges with clarity and calm.
Nine Block Quilt
A dear friend once shared an easy yet profound idea: life’s priorities will always fit into a nine-block quilt. Picture it—a square divided by tic-tac-toe lines into nine smaller squares. Now, in each square, write a word that represents what you value and want to cultivate.
In my quilt, love sits at the center, rooting everything. Around it are harmony, beauty, joy, balance, clarity, curios-
ity, courage, and capacity. These words aren’t just ideals— they’re guideposts. I work on them, and they work on me. When I hold love or clarity at the center of my decisionmaking, life’s lighter. Stress fades, and I’m less likely to second-guess myself.
Here’s the magic: your values become a filter for the endless decisions you face every day. Should I say yes to this invitation? Should I spend my energy on this project? When you let your values guide you, it’s easier to say no to what doesn’t serve this season of your life and yes to what does. You stop chasing what’s “urgent” and focus on what’s important.
Take a moment to sketch your own nine-block quilt. What are your words? Whatever they are, let them be your big picture. Keep them close, at the center of your choices, and watch how they simplify your days.
Why It Works
By clarifying what matters most, you reduce decision fatigue and increase alignment between your actions and your sense of purpose. This practice also strengthens emotional resilience, as you become less pulled in conflicting directions.
Weave Play In
Mothering is busy—cleaning, cooking, chauffeuring— but that doesn’t mean fun and creativity have to wait. I’ve learned to make room in the everyday, by setting touchpoints to what lights me up.
A coloring book lives in my purse, ready for a quick moment of play. There’s a paperback in my glove compartment and another on my nightstand, always within arm’s reach. A sketchbook waits for doodles, and my crochet and embroidery projects are never far away. My growing stack of songbooks fuels family karaoke sessions, while playlists from hammer dulcimer to R & B keep my kitchen hopping.
Plants thrive in every corner of my home—a winter-long parade of amaryllis and cut flowers from spring daffodils to summer zinnias. And when flowers aren’t an option, colorful bowls of fresh fruit create vibrant displays.
Find happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Dance while you clean, sing while you cook, listen while you fold, draw while you tend. The muses of art, music, story, poetry, and dance are everywhere, waiting to be woven into your days. Small pleasures add up, and before you know it, life is magical
Just a warning: joy and creativity have a way of spreading, so don’t be surprised if the people around you catch the spark and want to join in.
Why It Works
Creative and joyful activities stimulate the release of dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, which improves mood and motivation. Studies show that even small spurts of creativity can enhance problem-solving skills and reduce feelings of burnout. By integrating these moments into your day, you’re practicing mindfulness and building a reservoir of positive emotions that buffer against stress.
1,000 Smiles Wide
Smiling is an untapped inner resource! Did you know that smiling can actually trick your brain into feeling happier—even when you’re not there yet? It releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, giving your mood an instant lift. Try it right now: lift the corners of your mouth, take a deep breath, and let that smile reach your eyes. How do you feel?
Think of it as a micro energy elevator—a simple way to lower stress and build emotional strength. You can weave the power of smiling into your day by attaching it to habits you already have, like taking a sip of water, greeting your child or spouse, or even pausing at a red light. It’s especially effective when you’ve hit the tired wall but need to keep going. Practice this sequence until it becomes second nature: lift the corners of your mouth, inhale deeply through your nose, and let that happy energy radiate through your eyes and out into life around you. With practice, you’ll be able to smile, breathe, and sparkle all at once—a joyful gift to yourself and everyone you meet.
Why It Works
By smiling, you signal to your brain that you’re happy, triggering the release of mood-boosting chemicals. Smiling lowers cortisol levels, reduces stress, and enhances social bonding, as people are naturally drawn to positive energy. It’s a simple yet powerful way to improve emotional well-being.
Start a Romance
It’s important to have something that’s just mine—not for the kids, not a side hustle, not edifying, but something that fills me up. A passion that feels like a little romance with life itself.
Right now, I’m drawing and coloring folk art birds and flowers, which has led me to discovering art and early American history. Last summer, I had my Italian Summer.
Did I go to Italy? No, but I grew basil, learned to make homemade pasta, and read Italian novels. Passions remind us we’re not just parents—we’re people with dreams and a spark of our own.
Why It Works
Hobbies and passions create a sense of flow, a state where you’re immersed and energized by what you’re doing. This flow state has been shown to reduce stress, increase creativity, and boost overall happiness. Pursuing interests also fulfills the psychological need for autonomy, helping you feel more like yourself with life’s demands.
A Lifelong Love Letter
Self-care isn’t about indulgence; it’s about the small, consistent ways you show up for yourself every day. Quiet morning rituals, passionate pursuits, and nourishing meals: these are what ground you, keep you curious, and remind you of your worth. It’s the five-minute resets that create space to breathe, the playlists that bring joy to your transitions
Imagine your life as a queen size quilt, each block stitched with intention. In one square, you leave gifts for your future self—a water bottle, a snack, or a clutter-free countertop. In another, you embrace the beauty of real food, savoring the colors and flavors that fuel both body and spirit. Across the quilt, there are embroideries of music, movement, and crafts that calm the storms and remind you of your resilience.
In the quilt of your life, you are beautiful—not because of how you look, but because of how you carry yourself, how you nurture your passions, and how you care for your mind, body, and soul. When you stand tall, eat with joy, and move with intention, you’re sending a powerful message—to yourself and those around you—that you are worth it.
Why It Works
The ultimate theme here is self-connection. Small, intentional acts of self-care build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and increase happiness. They create a positive feedback loop: when you care for yourself, you are more capable, grounded, and joyful, which motivates you to continue.
Start Small
A sip of water, a five-minute stretch, a single song that lifts your spirit. These acts are love notes scattered throughout your day. When you care for yourself, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. This is the greatest of gifts to yourself and your family.
Sarah McElroy is a mom of two grown sons, a proud grandmother, and happily married. With years of experience as a teacher, parenting educator, and recipe developer, Sarah is devoted to sharing practical wisdom that helps families create happy, healthy lives. Passionate about all things cozy, she finds joy in reading, coloring, gardening, and baking, and loves inspiring others to weave simple pleasures into their daily routines.
Where to Go With Your Sweetie This Month
As parents, we know that date nights are precious. No matter what age your kids are, getting a few hours with your sweetie is important, and you want those few hours to count. In this section, we’re highlighting our favorite local haunts. Places that promise a great setting to unwind, recharge, and reconnect.
Sunset Performance Series Featuring Christa Gabrielle Faison
When: May 15th, 2025
When: 7:00 pm
Where: Cameron Art Museum
Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation)
Kick back at the Cameron Art Museum’s outdoor concert spot to hear phenomenal violinist, vocalist, and minister, Christa Gabrielle Faison, a young artist who has dedicated her life to inspiring others through the power of music. Swing by the CAM Café for a drink before the concert or reserve a table for dinner.
Sip & Paint @
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
When: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Cape Fear Shoals Habitat North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Cost: $55 per person
Spend time with your sweetie while tapping into your artistic side, all while gaining inspiration from the incredible animals at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Materials are supplied as part of the event. Try it for a night, or make a regular routine of attending this fun, bi-monthly creative meetup.
Orange Street ArtsFest
When: May 24, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and May 25, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
Cost: Free
More than 90 artists from across the region, including North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee gather at the end of the month for the largest downtown arts festival in Wilmington. Live entertainment, old fashioned fair food, and a wine and beer tent make for a memorable daytime getaway for couples.
In Pursuit of “Yum”
Our Recipeof-the-Month
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for those magical, hard-to-spot recipes that our youngsters will not only eat, but ask for again and again. Our recipe-of-the-month is always quick and easy to prepare, knockyour-socks-off yummy, and packs a nutritious punch that keeps your hungry kiddos healthy, strong, and yes, coming back for seconds.
Ihave always been a huge fan of oatmeal. Once upon a time, before I became a mom, I would prepare all sorts of elaborate oatmeal bowls for myself for breakfast. Each day combining different types of fruits and nut butters and superfood additions! Even now, on the occasional slow morning at home it has become mine and my daughter’s favorite thing to make together. However, most days we are racing out the door to get to school or gymnastics class on time and breakfast is very on-the-go. Luckily, there is a simple and delicious solution that satisfies our oatmeal cravings and can be whipped up the night before or made in bulk on your meal prep day... Easy Overnight Oats!
Made up of only six ingredients (not including optional toppings) that you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe could not be any simpler to make. Filled with tons of protein from the oats, chia seeds and peanut butter, fiber from the oats and chia seeds, healthy fats from the chia seeds and shredded coconut, and antioxidants from the cinnamon (also a great bloodsugar stabilizer), these Easy Overnight Oats provide everything you and your kids need for a balanced breakfast.
Ready to Make the Best Breakfast Ever?
By Natalie Archer
(Makes 1 Serving)
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened almond or hemp milk (plus more if needed)
1 Tbs creamy peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1 Tbs chia seeds
1 Tbs unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 tsp cinnamon
optional toppings: berries, banana slices, raw nuts + seeds, cacao nibs, bee pollen, extra coconut!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place oats, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and cinnamon in a bowl and stir to combine. Add peanut butter and stir once more (or skip this step and wait to drizzle on top).
2. Scoop or pour mixture into a small mason jar or other airtight container, then top with any of the topping ideas listed above (you can also wait to add toppings until you are ready to eat..I would highly recommend this if you are not going to eat them the very next morning).
3 Now add a splash more milk if oats look like they’ve already absorbed all of the liquid, then, let set in the fridge overnight before enjoying. Best when consumed within 3 days of making!
WHY CHOOSE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COASTAL?
American Leadership Academy (ALA) Coastal is a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school with a quality pre-k program established in 2017 and located in New Hanover County on Pandion Drive, one mile from New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC). ALA Coastal focuses on a classical, values-based education that provides authentic learning opportunities and develops the whole student for citizenship, teamwork, service, and scholarship.
