Any other moms out just not order when you eat with your family?

[Anonymous]

I eat out rarely because it’s so expensive. But when I do, I either order for myself packing for leftovers (I can’t eat more than half an restaurant entree in a sitting either) or we order family style in the understanding we’re all sharing 2-3 dishes amongst the four of us (where polite sharing rules will be enforced).

[Anonymous]

OP I used to do this when my kids were little and we’d eat out. You’re not alone. Eventually we stopped eating out very often bc it just wasn’t fun- rushed, not really enough or the right food for me. I realize now why my family did y go out to eat often when I was little. It is so expensive! And ultimately, not that much fun for the parents.

[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine starving myself and feeding my kids. If I don’t want to spend money, nobody goes out. Or, we save it on date night.

This is an unhealthy dynamic that the kids are already picking up on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do but it ends up being embarrassing because I often AM hungry and I do want food but my kids and DH are massive eaters. It’s frustrating because even a trip to Taco Bell costs like $40. I end up ordering something small for myself and then hoping my kids don’t finish their food. The whole thing is just kinda sad. I’m pushing for us to eat out less because it’s so expensive and I’m sick of what hogs my family members are. I wish they’d understand they don’t have to ALWAYS get every single item that they want.

You should get the Taco Bell app. The craving boxes are 1/3 the price of what it would cost without the app and are a ton of food.

[Anonymous]

If we’re at a sit down place, I’ll usually order something if the regular menu. At fast casual places like Chipotle or Moe’s, I’ll order whatever my tween wants and have him order me something off the kids menu. I don’t need to eat a massive burrito and he can pretty much finish one. If he doesn’t, then I’ll eat the rest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop being doormats. You control the kids, and you open your mouth and tell them no if they want to order too much/something too expensive. If you can’t afford to eat a meal at that restaurant then none of you eat out and cook at home.

+1

[Anonymous]

Only because I do IF and stop eating g super early. It does save money!

[Anonymous]

I never did this but Dh used to. We never finished all the food and Dh would finish it and he thought he was gaining weight.

Now we have teen and tween boys and if we order one entree per person, it is not enough. Everyone orders their own entree now.

[Anonymous]

I’m a PP. it’s not about an ED (I’m fat!) or martyrdom. If something really tickled my fancy I’d order it but I don’t care about eating yet another grilled chicken sandwich with a side of friends. I might as well get something small and pick off the other plates that they won’t finish anyway.

[Anonymous]

You go to a restaurant and … don’t order food and plan to eat the scraps of small children? That sounds very disordered to me if I’m being totally honest. I agree the costs of restaurant food have gotten out of control. The solution is to eat somewhere less expensive or eat out less frequently, not eat cold, saliva-filled grilled cheese crusts. Also, I hate it when people feel entitled to eat off my plate or steal fries, etc. It may be upsetting to your kids, and depending on their ages, they may eat less than they otherwise would want to because they’re trying to make sure they leave enough for hungry mom. Don’t do that to them.

[Anonymous]

My husband does this and it drives me bonkers because it sends such a bad message to the kids. It also really backfires when the kids are hungry and eat everything and now he's starving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I used to do this when my kids were little and we’d eat out. You’re not alone. Eventually we stopped eating out very often bc it just wasn’t fun- rushed, not really enough or the right food for me. I realize now why my family did y go out to eat often when I was little. It is so expensive! And ultimately, not that much fun for the parents.

Yes, of course it’s not fun for a person with an eating disorder to watch their family eat dinner in a restaurant, and I’d imagine it’s even more unpleasant to go to dinner with a person who sits not eating and staring at you while you’re trying to enjoy your steak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a PP. it’s not about an ED (I’m fat!) or martyrdom. If something really tickled my fancy I’d order it but I don’t care about eating yet another grilled chicken sandwich with a side of friends. I might as well get something small and pick off the other plates that they won’t finish anyway.

Fat ppl can have eating disorders too.

What kind of restaurants do you go to that only have grilled chicken sandwiches and fries? Try eating like an adult.

[Anonymous]

I hate this thread. I guarantee you your husband doesn’t do this. Why is he deserving of food but you aren’t? Thank you for my daily reminder of how important feminism still is.

No, I absolutely do not do this and I think it sends a toxic message to your children, especially daughters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do but it ends up being embarrassing because I often AM hungry and I do want food but my kids and DH are massive eaters. It’s frustrating because even a trip to Taco Bell costs like $40. I end up ordering something small for myself and then hoping my kids don’t finish their food. The whole thing is just kinda sad. I’m pushing for us to eat out less because it’s so expensive and I’m sick of what hogs my family members are. I wish they’d understand they don’t have to ALWAYS get every single item that they want.

I’m the same in that I HATE the expense. I am also kinda a health nut and would never push that on my family. I hate Taco Bell, despite my husband and daughter loving it. We solve the problem by everyone getting a personal allowance. Obviously DH and I have the biggest allowance. All meals out have to be someone’s treat. Our personal allowances cover meals out, clothing, entertainment, etc. DH and I alternate dinner nights and switch every other Saturday. If we want to go out it is up to the person whose dinner night it is to decide if they want to treat us or not. I happily treat my family to the occasional pizza, dinner at the club, or a nice meal out. I take each daughter (individually) for coffee and a pastry once a week. DH takes one daughter to Taco Bell after soccer occasionally and will treat the girls for breakfast occasionally when I’m at my pilates class.

So, in response to the question, no I don’t eat after my kids or not order to save money. We save money in the budgeting process by having “personal allowances” for these expenses. Honestly, I prefer to spend my money on manicures, clothes, expensive coffee, and the occasional dinner out. DH basically eats his. . . . .well, okay, he has expensive clothing and hobbies too.