Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay for food from the kids' menu?

Cimscate

Well, it seems to me that if you can afford to eat out frequently then you can afford to buy your daughters meal as well. The only exception to that would be if she is on a special diet but there is no indication of that. Otherwise just make a picnic for both of you!

newbs68

Of course you should. Bringing her own food as a baby or is she had special requirements which the cafe/restaurant can't meet is fine but if she can eat their food, she should.
The restaurant owners have to make a living as well. You'll start getting funny looks soon.

Pollycat

MSE_Sarah wrote: »

When I take my two-year-old into cafes and restaurants I bring food from outside for her, and it's never been an issue with staff. But at what age does this become morally dubious, given she does now eat most of the food you find on the kids' menu?

The OP asked this ^^^^ question:

JayD wrote: »

Now that your child is able to eat from the menu - and assuming that the items on it are things you are happy for her to eat - then I think you should be buying her meals alongside your own.


Not only is this morally the right thing to do - after all, you are sharing the facilities with your daughter, even if she doesn't use any of their cutlery or crockery. Also, isn't it much more about sharing the eating out experience with her, rather than excluding her from it?

and I think ^^^^ this covers it.

gettingtheresometime

Just to throw a little curve ball into the mix what about taking food & drink to the cinema?

Pollycat

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Just to throw a little curve ball into the mix what about taking food & drink to the cinema?

Not the same.
You go to the cinema predominantly to watch a film, not to eat & drink.
When you go to a cafe or restaurant, you go to consume food & drink.

engineer_amy

I view that quite differently. Going to a caf! or restaurant, the primary purpose is to eat or drink, so you should be buying their products as this is (usually) their sole source of income. And the cost of meals is based on the ingredients, the cost of the staff wages in making it and the electric, overheads etc.


The primary purpose of the cinema is to view a movie. Snacks and drinks are additional products offered by the cinema, often at a massive mark up. These are an "added extra option", and you can purchase the same or similar products much cheaper at a nearby shop. The cost of running the cinema should be accounted for in the cost of the movie ticket, not made up by the concession stand.

Pollycat

engineer_amy wrote: »

I view that quite differently. Going to a caf! or restaurant, the primary purpose is to eat or drink, so you should be buying their products as this is (usually) their sole source of income. And the cost of meals is based on the ingredients, the cost of the staff wages in making it and the electric, overheads etc.


The primary purpose of the cinema is to view a movie. Snacks and drinks are additional products offered by the cinema, often at a massive mark up. These are an "added extra option", and you can purchase the same or similar products much cheaper at a nearby shop. The cost of running the cinema should be accounted for in the cost of the movie ticket, not made up by the concession stand.

Isn't that what I said? :huh:

Pollycat wrote: »

Not the same.
You go to the cinema predominantly to watch a film, not to eat & drink.
When you go to a cafe or restaurant, you go to consume food & drink.

Or were you disagreeing with the post above mine?

crmism

It's reasonable for any outlet that provides meals to be eaten on the premises to expect its patrons to buy the food and drink it produces, but I can see your point when you have a toddler who's unfamiliar with what's on offer and learning what he or she likes.

If the place you go to is still tolerant, why not ask whether they mind what you're doing and if they have an age bar? I'm sure they won't mind you asking, as they're obviously keen to keep your custom.

suki1964

I really wouldn't be worrying about it at this age tbh

I was a chef in a very busy restaurant and tbh the kiddies meals were way too big for a child of that age and if a parent just asked for one sausage - it was given - FOC. We never turned an eye about one £2.99 kids meal being shared between 2 or sometimes 3 children either.

Some children would only eat mash and gravy or soup and gravy - once. again - FOC. As children got more adventurous - a side plate and teaspoon were given as they were fed of the parents plate

The thing was, I worked for an independent and we wanted the parents to return. We didn't care about the minute cost of feeding a child because it meant the parents came back


Now as a grandmother, I have been the other side. Taking my 2 year old grandson with me into Pizza Hut one lunch time for a buffet lunch. I ordered for myself and a soft drink for him. They then tried to charge me for his "meal" which consisted of a bit of cucumber, some sweetcorn, and a slice of garlic bread. I gave them short shift and paid for my meal and his drink and told them very politely where they could go

ButterflyLC

I take food in now and again for my one year old but she's one and we are still exploring food. If I was going for a coffee I'd take her snacks. If she would eat proper solids from the menu then I'd order. At 2 it's really pushing it to take your own food in, but depends where you are going. Cafe, not an issue to take snacks for a child in my opinion. Restaurant, absolutely order from the menu. No reason why a child should miss out. Unless theres an allergy issue and you are worried, you should really order from the menu, or at a push an extra plate so she can share yours.