Why is it whenever we go out to dinner as a family, we find again and again that the kids menu falls short. It seems like most places (even if it is an upscale restaurant) have the same items on their kids menu; hot dog, chicken fingers or hamburger? Really? I am not impressed, why would I take my family out for a nice meal together and then order my son something to eat that I wouldn’t even feed him at home. How is a hotdog and fries a complete well balanced meal? How are we suppose to teach our children to be conscientious of what they eat and to choose healthy meals when they are constantly inundated with chicken nuggets? What is a parent to do?
When we go out to eat, we refuse the kids menu. Jayson and I always order our meals and share with Eben or we let him pick something off the regular and healthier menu. I feel that because Eben has always been surrounded by real and healthy foods to be the reason why he is an 8 year old who would prefer Cabbage Rolls with kugal and a potato latke over a hot dog any day. How are kids ever going to find out that they love a Greek Salad, Penne Pasta Gorgonzola with Candied Pecans or Potato Gnocchi if they are never given the chance?
What do you think of the kid’s menu?
What are your children’t favorite restaurant meals?
xo.
Right on~! I left my response on facebook before reading your post, and it sounds like you and I are pretty much spot on when it comes to children’s menu opinion. It really is pathetic that chicken fingers and fries is considered a healthy and well-rounded meal (or, if it’s not… then why is it one of a few similar meals that are offered for children?!). I agree that we need a much more well rounded menu… but also that the idea that kids don’t like vegetables be shoved aside. I think (granted, I don’t have kids yet….) that kids who don’t like veggies are the kids who either don’t see them often, or who always have something sweet or salty to eat instead. My husband is vegan, and while I eat meat and cheese and dairy at times (organic, free range, antibiotic free, if at all possible), we still eat a ton of creative, delicious, flavorful vegan meals. No dairy. No meat. LOADS of veggies. And they taste AWESOME! Where are meals like that in restaurants??
Hi Kitty,
I agree. At most restaurants a veggie isn’t even an option. The only restaurant that I have been to where you can get a well rounded kids meal on the kids menu is our local vegetarian/vegan restaurant.
Kids are amazing in what they will eat if given the chance. I think a lot of people assume that kids don’t like veggies so they don’t offer them a large variety of them. Eben is very interested in different types of veggies and when we are shopping if he sees one that he isn’t familiar with he will ask what it is. On our last grocery trip he saw an eggplant and asked, “Is that an eggplant?” “I want to try eggplant parmesan.” So, Jayson bought the eggplant and we will be having eggplant parm.
Hopefully in the future more restaurants will offer healthy options for kids on their kids menu, until then we will continue to share our salads and entrees with Eben.
Thank you for your feedback,
Sweet Greens.
wow your right. I have never thought about it but kids menus are awful.
Hi A “cheery” disposition,
They really are.
xo,
Sweet Greens.
how true. I didn’t think twice about it, but I vent over school lunches. I like your idea very much!
(BTW – I’ve been seeing a trend of some restaurants simply presenting a lovely arrangment of fruits with all “kids” meals. The Alpine Inn in Hill City, SD – is great about this!)
how true!!
I never ate fried foods, I was just as disgusted by them then as I am now.
Hi Avlor,
I agree. Most school lunches that I have seen are not nutrious or delicious. I love the idea of restaurants offering fresh fruit and I would love to see more season fruits and veggies offered.
xo,
Sweet Greens.
Hi Jenn,
Good for you. I avoid fried foods most of the time, but have to have a french fry every now and then. I am weak. lol.
xo,
Sweet Greens.