going out to eat due to boredom or nothing to do

[Anonymous]

my family seems to be going in a phase where we aren't getting together socially with others as much as we used to. so, we tend to go out to eat just to get out or break up the day. any others do this?

[Anonymous]

Yes

[Anonymous]

We do this all the time. What is wrong with it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We do this all the time. What is wrong with it?

For starters, restaurant food is not healthy, no matter how nutritionally sound it may appear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We do this all the time. What is wrong with it?

For starters, restaurant food is not healthy, no matter how nutritionally sound it may appear.

Don't listen to PP. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it! I like to use eating out as an opportunity to talk and teach, picking a subject beforehand..like role playing in case a stranger approaches or discussing what to do in a fire, or even summarizing a movie or book you just read together and changing the story. The possibilities are endless. You will have their undivided attention and you are enjoying a nice meal together. You can't have that level of interaction walking through a museum.

And as for restaurant food being unhealthy, that's complete rubbish. It's what you select from the menu that's either healthy or unhealthy and you can always order things steamed instead of sauteed. What is wrong with a turkey sandwich on pita? Or some Peruvian roasted chicken and a salad? Delish. If the kids wants a hamburger and fries every once in a while for lunch at a restaurant, there's no law that says you can't give him yogurt and fruit at home for dinner. It's all about balance. Don't let PP make you feel like you are doing anything wrong. We all have to eat meals! It's teaching your kids not to snack out of boredom that's important.

Cheers

[Anonymous]

we totally do this. I like eating out - always have. And my daughter is much better behaved than a lot of almost-3-year-olds because she's got a long history of going to restaurants that aren't geared toward kids. I need a lot of variety in my diet, and I like ethnic foods. If i were to cook all the time, I'd spend a fortune buying all the different spices and ingredients for thai, indian, etc. So it's easier and more fun to eat out or takeout!

[Anonymous]

how about packing a picnic and heading to a park? We rarely do restaurants in the warm months bc we prefer to pack a board game, a ball/frisbee and head out. Better food and so much more interesting than sitting in a restaurant. You could always at least grab carry-out and eat at a playground? Go out for ice cream afterwards?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:how about packing a picnic and heading to a park? We rarely do restaurants in the warm months bc we prefer to pack a board game, a ball/frisbee and head out. Better food and so much more interesting than sitting in a restaurant. You could always at least grab carry-out and eat at a playground? Go out for ice cream afterwards?

You have picnics in the park in this 90+ degree, mosquito laden, humid climate?

Seriously?

[Anonymous]

since the beginning of time, "breaking bread" has been a form of socialization right?

the only downside is that it's a money suck.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, but this is why Americans are fat. Food should not be recreation. We eat at sporting events, we eat at the movies; everthing's an occasion to eat. We love food in my family, but we try to cook and eat at home as often as possible, because it's not only healthier that way, but it's an opportunity to sit down and have a daily family ritual where we connect with each other. My kids (who are teenagers now) are used to having family dinner at least 5 nights out of 7. Sure we like to go out sometimes, and have pizza now and then, but family mealtimes are important. And there's lots to do that doesn't involve cooking! We live in an area that's full of museums, concerts, sporting events, hiking and biking trails. Try and pick something new or interesting to do as a family every weekend. Your kids might complain at first (ours still do, but we ignore them), but they'll have a good time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but this is why Americans are fat. Food should not be recreation. We eat at sporting events, we eat at the movies; everthing's an occasion to eat. We love food in my family, but we try to cook and eat at home as often as possible, because it's not only healthier that way, but it's an opportunity to sit down and have a daily family ritual where we connect with each other. My kids (who are teenagers now) are used to having family dinner at least 5 nights out of 7. Sure we like to go out sometimes, and have pizza now and then, but family mealtimes are important. And there's lots to do that doesn't involve cooking! We live in an area that's full of museums, concerts, sporting events, hiking and biking trails. Try and pick something new or interesting to do as a family every weekend. Your kids might complain at first (ours still do, but we ignore them), but they'll have a good time.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:how about packing a picnic and heading to a park? We rarely do restaurants in the warm months bc we prefer to pack a board game, a ball/frisbee and head out. Better food and so much more interesting than sitting in a restaurant. You could always at least grab carry-out and eat at a playground? Go out for ice cream afterwards?

You have picnics in the park in this 90+ degree, mosquito laden, humid climate?

Seriously?

yep, we do, there are shady places and I prefer to be outside than stuck inside all day- food is not entertainment for us. I knew someone would make that comment. Get off your (fat?) ass once in awhile!!