Where to Eat

So, just last weekend we decided to pick up a quick lunch at Chick-fil-a. The kids were much more out of sorts than usual, and my time there made me want to skip a meal rather than eat one. Now, Cody is not up for eating ANYWHERE when we have all three kiddos, but, my love of eating out drives me so!...ha! Recently, we had the conversation as to WHERE we should eat with the kids. Cody's philosophy was to get in and get out quick. I beg to differ. Our meal at Chick-fil-a simply proved my point further. While we were attempting to eat, I was busy saying, "This is why it is better to go to a sit down restaurant." Not quite following? These are the reasons I prefer restaurants over fast food when dining with the kids (not to mention the food is better!):

1. There are crayons and activity sheets. So, yes. You have to wait to get your food. BUT...the children are usually well entertained by the crayons...even if it means that they color on the table or walls ;)

2. You sit down and other people take care of the rest! This is probably the best reason for going to a sit-down restaurant over a fast food place. When we take all three kiddos out to fast food, we have to first pick out a table. That way, the kids are not running around the place when we are trying to order AND it is possible for one person to carry the food back. One person orders. One person watches the kiddos at the table. Sounds simple, but it can be a disaster. Why you ask???...because it usually leaves at least one child very unhappy and wanting to go with whoever is doing the ordering....the kids think, "Oh! We are in public and there is now only ONE of you watching me...LET'S GO CRAZY!"...and we have to hunt down high chairs and boosters (and have you been in Chick-fil-a lately???...MADHOUSE). On the contrary, sit-down restaurants do it all for you. They take you to your seat, bring out your food, find high chairs and boosters (a total of three, here), and you don't do a thing! That, my friends, is  like music to my ears!

3. You are not compelled to clean up. I feel really terrible about leaving my space a wreck at a fast food restaurant. Let's face it. Many times the tables do not get cleaned after each occupant and that leaves the poor, next person in line for your spot to do the dirty work. Therefore, I feel compelled...obligated to clean up the mess that my family has made. Now, don't get me wrong. I feel terrible about leaving a sit-down restaurant with my table disastrous, as well. HOWEVER, I can always leave an extra tip! ;)

4. There is not a playground. Okay. I feel a little guilty about saying that. Sometimes, you can use the playground to your advantage...."You better eat or there will be no playground," etc. However, the playground can be torturous...having the kids beg during the whole meal OR having to drag them off. I must say that I have not had to endure either of these often...BUT...it happens.

5. There is more of a variety. So, my kids are fickle eaters. They may like one thing one day and hate it the next. At a restaurant, there is more variety. You can all order different things. That way, if the kiddos won't eat what you got for them, MAYBE they will eat something off of mine or Cody's plate. With fast food, however, pretty much everyone gets the same thing....then you have to hear about your child NOT wanting what you have gotten them to eat. :)

So...I ask you, "Why would you prefer fast-food over a restaurant?" You may answer price, time, etc.  HOWEVER, I think all of my reasons far outweigh any of those! I am not so frugal with my money when it comes to convenience. Sometimes you have to pay the price to have some peace of mind (something that is actually priceless in my book). :)