Coleen Rooney has shared her unconventional approach to preparing breakfast for her four sons, revealing that she cooks individual meals based on their preferences, including steak for her 10-year-old son Kit.
Speaking on The Motherload podcast by IMAGE magazine with host Dominique McMullan, Rooney, wife of former Wayne Rooney, described her morning routine with Kai, 16, Klay, 12, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight.
“They all have different breakfasts and I have friends who say ‘why don’t you just put cereal out on the side and let them help themselves?” she said.
When asked if she was cooking to order, she replied: “Yeah. We have steak, we have bacon, we have pancakes. We have… I have got one who will, like, mostly have cereal. He eats quite plain. We have toasties. Yeah, there’s a lot of different things.”
Rooney said Kit often eats steak with eggs at around 7am, a detail that prompted strong reactions online. “Lots of people will say, ‘Oh that’s quite extreme’. But it’s healthy. He likes it,” she said. “I like to know they’ve gone out with a full stomach, with something that they actually wanted.”
The routine sparked debate on social media.
Some parents praised her for prioritising her children’s preferences and ensuring they are well-fed. Others questioned whether cooking separate meals might encourage unrealistic expectations.
One commenter wrote: “God forbid their future wives.”
To assess the nutritional impact of such breakfasts, experts from Campbells Meat, an online butcher, shared their perspective.
They noted that steak provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, which support growth, energy, and overall health. Iron helps prevent anaemia, while protein supports muscle development and satiety.
However, they cautioned against making steak a regular breakfast choice. “The reality is that while the occasional steak breakfast won’t hurt, making it a habit can be problematic,” they said.
They also raised concerns about digestion: “A heavy meal like steak at 7am can actually slow kids down. Their bodies are working harder to digest such a dense meal, when they should have energy to focus, learn and play. Eating red meat first thing can put unnecessary strain on their digestive system, too.”
Guidance from the UK’s National Health Service recommends limiting red and processed meat intake to around 70g per day for adults, with similar principles applying to children to reduce long-term risks linked to saturated fat.
Balanced breakfasts typically include foods such as whole grains, fruit, dairy, or eggs, which provide steady energy without being too heavy.
Rooney’s approach reflects a wider trend of personalised nutrition among families, even during busy mornings.
The discussion highlights differing views on parenting, nutrition, and what makes a healthy start to the day.