My Kids Love Fast Food (And I’m Totally Fine With It)

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I recently made the rookie mistake of counting how often my kids indulge in fast food. Five times a week! We always hit up the same spot that serves kale salads, fruit cups, and grilled nuggets, but the real temptation? Those crispy fries. Honestly, who can resist? I definitely can’t! And while the kids sip on sugary sweet tea—because, you know, Southern tradition—I reassure myself that they skip dessert due to their gluten allergies, so at least that’s a win.

Sure, it’s a lot, but let me explain. Cooking isn’t exactly my forte; my culinary skills are limited to microwaving and scrambling eggs. If I knew how to whip up a nutritious meal, I would, but for now, it’s fries and fruit salad all the way. At least I’m not serving up questionable meat sandwiches or nuking nuggets. Even the Animaniacs warned against asking what hot dogs are made of, and that’s about the extent of my kitchen prowess. If we’re at home, I might manage a PB&J with some fruit, canned or fresh, but let’s be real: we’re usually out the door.

I’m often running late! On Mondays, right before the kids’ homeschool PE class, time slips away between actual homeschooling, getting myself dressed, and wrangling three kids—one of whom prefers to roam around in the buff. Sometimes, I just need a shower, for my sanity if nothing else. So, off to the fast food joint we go! I know I’m not alone in this hustle; other moms are rushing to soccer, dance, or swim meets, desperately trying to fuel their kids before the big events. No guilt here!

Sure, when I tally it up, my kids consume a mountain of industrial-fried potatoes and sugary drinks. But hey, it keeps our lives running smoothly. If we’re in a rush, we hit the drive-thru and enjoy our meals in the car, often polished off in about ten minutes, like every other kid in America. Some moms might feel guilty about this, but honestly? I think my kids—and all the other little fry aficionados—are culinary wizards in their own right.

After class, we often return to our go-to fast food haunt. It’s a great place to catch up with friends, especially when the restaurant is nice and quiet. We snag a table next to the play area, where the kids can devour their fries and fruit cups while I indulge in a kale salad and some fries of my own. They eat like it’s a race, eager to dive into the play structure. Even my 2 ½-year-old gets in on the action! This little slice of kid-free time—up to an hour—is a rare gem. It’s why so many mom groups gather at fast food spots. We can chat freely, vent, and reconnect without little ones pulling at our skirts. It’s a beautiful thing.

On other days, my kids have music lessons. With both of them having ADD and a sprinkle of hyperactivity, they focus much better after burning off some energy. The play area serves as the perfect outlet. I can feed them lunch—nuggets, a small fry, and shared fruit cups—saving me time at home. I get my meal too, often two kale salads with fries. Then it’s off to the lessons, where they’re more attentive and well-behaved.

There are also days when we’re eating in the car. Sometimes I desperately need my tea—it’s like a lifeline for me! As I pull into the drive-thru line, the kids start their usual chorus of “Mom, I’m hun-gry!” They’ve literally just eaten, but it doesn’t matter. They’re clamoring for lemonades and fries, and despite my attempts to steer them toward fruit cups, there’s no convincing them. When a child is hungry, I can’t say no.

And let’s not forget breakfast! We often swing by a local spot, and it usually starts with, “I just want a tea.” But by the time I reach the window, I find myself ordering hash browns, eggs, and bacon on top of what I had already prepared at home. I know I’m not the only mom who relies on drive-thru breakfasts to kickstart the day.

So yes, my kids consume a lot of fried food and sugary drinks, but it helps our family function. My husband whips up delicious, nutritious dinners that the boys happily devour, so they’re still getting their veggies and proteins. During the day, though? I’m all about convenience. And I know I’m not alone in this parenting journey.

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Summary

In this candid reflection on fast food and parenting, Jamie Parker shares the realities of life with kids who love their fries and sweet tea. While some may feel guilt over their fast food habits, Jamie embraces the convenience it brings to their busy lives. With a touch of humor, she highlights the balance between quick meals and the nutritious dinners her husband provides, showing that every family finds their own rhythm.