Kids Menus — For and Against

This week the JP Patch Moms Council argues for or against kids menus. It's in keeping with this week's "Best Of" contest: .

: I don't think any adult looks forward to paying adult prices for an adult portion for someone under 9.

While I understand the argument behind getting kids to eat adult food, I don't think any adult looks forward to the idea of paying adult restaurant prices for an adult portion for someone under the age of 9.  (I can't finish the adult sized portions in many restaurants, and it's not because I'm delicate and picky.)

Sharing an adult portion is usually the best option- unless, of course, your child demands something you don't want.  In that case, go ahead and get something off of the usually limited children's menu.  The portions will be slightly smaller, but if your kids are like mine you might still need to take some of it home anyway.

: I agree with Deb - share some of your plate with your children and add a healthy appetizer to the table.

When I think of "children's menus" I think of processed fried food:  chicken fingers (should be called chicken left over parts ), burgers, fries, some white pasta with maybe a tablespoon of red sauce, grilled white bread with yellow cheese... and anything else that is white, light brown or yellow.

I have to agree with Deb - share some of your plate with your children and add a healthy appetizer to the table.  My children ate everything spicy or not, by the time they were 10 they could eat an adult meal. Since dinner out with four full diners was crazy expensive -- we limited where we went as a family choosing restaurants like , which has healthy choices on their pub menu, or went to , our youngest's favorite place to eat, is still a standard favorite too.

: With a kid's menu I know, that night, my daughter's going to eat and we're all going to have a good time.

While I'd love to say my daughter eats everything, the fact of the matter is that those days are long gone. While we're waiting for them to come back, I appreciate being able to go to a restaurant where I can get a drink, do some people watching and relax a little.

Having chicken fingers or a small hamburger for her makes it all a little easier. I can order a salad or fish (which she won't touch) and she can get something she likes. I wouldn't want her eating off of a kid's menu every night of the week but at least I know, that night, she's going to eat and we're all going to have a good time.