Trending
Mum splits opinion after revealing she takes packed lunches to restaurants for her son
By James Kay
30 May 2023
3m
Not everyone is a fan of eating out, but does that mean that taking your own food to restaurants should be allowed?
Going out for a meal is usually a great time, because as well as not having to wash up, the quality of food is usually top-tier.
Most people will have their favourite restaurants where they know the food will be exactly how they like it, but sometimes eating with kids can make things tricky.
Whether they’re a fussy eater or maybe even a bit loud, it can be tough to accommodate young kids when it comes to eating out.
One mother has a solution for this, as she took to TikTok where she revealed that when she takes her son to a restaurant, she brings him a packed lunch.
https://www.tiktok.com/@unbreakablemomma/video/7234985588003360046
Karlie Smith from Ohio shared how she keeps her child happy when out and about. “Call me cheap, call me whatever, but if we’re going out to a restaurant, I’m packing my kid a meal,” she began.
Karlie continued: “My son is not getting food out. For one, you want me to pay $6.99 for chicken tenders and fries that my son is going to throw half of it on the floor, you’re crazy. Also, whatever I pack is probably gonna be healthier than what the restaurant has anyways.”
The mum showed viewers what she packs for her son, and it included a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cheese cubes, a cut-up banana and a chocolate bar.
“When we get to a restaurant, my child is not waiting for anyone to take his order, he wants to eat now,” Karlie continued. “I can just hand him this and let him go to town. Also, my child is not opinionated. He does not care what he eats; he just wants to eat.”
She did clarify that if her son takes an interest in something at the restaurant she will order it – and that usually involves chocolate milk. She concluded by saying that he’ll pick food off of her plate too, which is probably something most parents are familiar with.
Naturally, this sparked a bit of a debate in the comments as some people questioned the mother on her behaviour.
“I work in a restaurant and we don’t allow outside food! So [you’re] lucky you haven’t been told anything yet,” one person said.
A second added: “In my house, everyone eats out or no one eats out! My parents had the same rules!”
But some people sympathised with Karlie, as a viewer said: “This is actually genius. My son is so picky and I always end up paying for something he doesn’t eat.”
Karlie says that taking a packed lunch saves her money. Credit: Kyle Nieber / Unsplash
Another supporter added: “I do this too! The smartest and most financially sound choice I’ve ever made!”
This really split opinion, but if the restaurant allowed Karlie to give her son a packed lunch, then there was no harm done.
Perhaps this is the parenting hack that could save a few pennies and tantrums in the future…
