Can you lie about the age of your child?

[tazleiten12]

No flames please! I'm not going to lie!...I read about the new age policy on children's meals, and no I'm not happy about it, as my son is turning 10 in August, and out trip is in October. but I WILL follow the rules, I'll probably be cutting out some buffets, and looking for sit downs that have some kind of burger or chicken on the adult menu, or maybe some chicken fingers as an appetizer, he can order. (I'm hoping they will still let me order off the children's, at some of the places were I cant find anything on the appetizer or adult menu.) But here is were my question comes in: I emailed this info to a couple that's going with us, as their child will be also 10 when we go. Their answer was, she is small so we will just lie and say she is 9! This made me mad for 2 reasons, #1 you should' t make your 10 year old lie! #2 I'm following the rules, she can afford the new prices better than i can, she should also HAVE to follow the rules! I'm hoping they would have the children's ages in the computer and she will be charged for her 10 year old! Is this at all possible, or will she get away with the lie!

 

[dianemb]

I plan on trying to get the kids meal at each resturaunt we go to by asking for it but not lying about my sons age (he is 10 also). If He doesn't eat like an adult I don't want to ordrea meal that will be trown away. Just try each place you go if what your child wants is the kids meal.

 

[rifamtrav]

hey, how about this, my twin dds are turning 10 at the end of July, we go the first week of September - BUT they were born 6 weeks preemie (their due date was 9/8) so think I could say they were "gestationally" 9 still!?!?
Actually, I did consider stretching the truth but I knew they would never be able to keep quiet about it, so we're paying full price for them on the package and their dining credits will be adult. Of course, they are small for their age and look like they're much younger, but ..... oh well, I was planning to pay for their meal at Boma ($10.99) and use that credit later but if I have to pay $23.99 I guess it isn't worth it. We'll still eat at Boma, just pay for them somewhere else.

 

[threeboysmom]

I've never had a problem ordering a kids meal for my 13 DS at any restaurant. I don't think they can tell you no even if you're 50 years old and want to order off the kids menu....

 

[Cass]

Lots of seniors order off the kids menu, I don't think you are going to have a problem at all still ordering from the kids menu for sit down meals.

 

[dworldfan]

We were just at disney and every restaurant we went into (California Grill, Brown Derby, Chefs de France) automatically handed my 12 yr old a kids menu and he is not small for his age. Anyone can eat off a childrens menu. We did not have the dining plan, but if we did both my sons would have been adults (10 and 12). However, I would still probably have paid for some kids meals and used their credits towards our meals. We would have broke even or even lost using the dining plan based on what my kids eat. The only time your child can't eat off the children's menu is at a buffet. We were charged as adults at Chef Mickeys.

 

[soccerchick]

No, I can't and won't lie.

I did see a woman lying to the CM @ CRT. Her niece was 14 or 15 and she said she was younger. The girl piped right up "I'm not 12." The aunt gave her the look of death.

 

[jarestel]

I guess you could do that since there's no way anyone could prove you're not telling the truth. Children aren't required to bring birth certificates with them to WDW.

Since the question wasn't "should you lie about the age of your child" I'll not volunteer my opinion on that.

 

[vettechick99]

I don't have kids yet, but what I've read about people with picky-eater children (both DH and I were back in the day), buffets in general aren't a good value. But then I look at my eating habits ("pathetic" would be generous) and realize that buffets aren't a good value for me either and I'm almost 30!

Character meals aren't about the food.... I know the increase is a tough pill to swallow, but if you (you as in everyone) look at going to character dining as an experience and not about getting $22 worth of food, you'll have a good time!

Good for you for being honest, BTW.

 

[tink too]

For adults ordering off the kids menu - I was always told that most places would allow this as long as you left a decent tip. I guess this is fair because if an adult orders a $6 meal, they would only be leaving a $1.20 tip!

 

[robinb]

I emailed this info to a couple that's going with us, as their child will be also 10 when we go. Their answer was, she is small so we will just lie and say she is 9! This made me mad for 2 reasons, #1 you should' t make your 10 year old lie! #2 I'm following the rules, she can afford the new prices better than i can, she should also HAVE to follow the rules! I'm hoping they would have the children's ages in the computer and she will be charged for her 10 year old! Is this at all possible, or will she get away with the lie!

I think you should MYOB.

 

[polyfan]

Here we go again with everyone that is going to be holier than thou. Do you lie to the officer that pulls you over for speeding or going through the red light? Do you ever stretch the truth a little to fit your needs? Do you show up for work a little late but get paid for the whole time anyway-since noone noticed? Have you ever taken a sick day, but really weren't physically sick? Ever drink alcohol before the age of 21? Noone is that perfect and those are just a few examples. Who cares who says what age their child is. I don't think it is just about price- it is more of an issue of what is the child actually eating. I have no problem with my child staying 9 a bit longer or any other if they need to. Paying $25 for a 10 year old to eat a hotdog or hamburger is ridiculous. Now if they eat the actual adult buffet and are a good eater then I would feel guilty. But I am not going to judge others- it is their business. Just go and have fun with your(in general) own family. Don't waste time worrying about who is getting away with something.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Are they dining with you or seperately? If they're dining with you, you're in a catch 22 to be sure. If you don't say anything and your kids see it, you've all but endorsed it. If you do say anything, they'll get mad. If you say something to your kids about why not to do it in private, they'll blurt it out in front of them (as kids nearly always do) and then they'll get mad. I'd never have my kid lie for me. Anyone that would lie for me would lie to me if it became profitable for them to do so. And why not? By telling my kids to lie for me, I've endorsed it.

To be honest, they aren't going to get caught. The probability isn't statistically zero but it is effectively zero. Although as someone posted, there is always the chance the kids will pipe up with "I'm not..."

If they're not dining with you, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[InnerStrength]

No flames please! I'm not going to lie!...I read about the new age policy on children's meals, and no I'm not happy about it, as my son is turning 10 in August, and out trip is in October. but I WILL follow the rules, I'll probably be cutting out some buffets, and looking for sit downs that have some kind of burger or chicken on the adult menu, or maybe some chicken fingers as an appetizer, he can order. (I'm hoping they will still let me order off the children's, at some of the places were I cant find anything on the appetizer or adult menu.) But here is were my question comes in: I emailed this info to a couple that's going with us, as their child will be also 10 when we go. Their answer was, she is small so we will just lie and say she is 9! This made me mad for 2 reasons, #1 you should' t make your 10 year old lie! #2 I'm following the rules, she can afford the new prices better than i can, she should also HAVE to follow the rules! I'm hoping they would have the children's ages in the computer and she will be charged for her 10 year old! Is this at all possible, or will she get away with the lie!

Marie,


You follow your morals and your friend follows hers. If she lies about her childs age, does that make it "right" to do so? To her it may be fine to do, to you, it appears that you disagree. Personally I do not think she is setting a positive example for her daughter, but hey, that's me. In all honesty, I would let it go and just feel good that I am telling the truth about my childs age, regardless if they could afford Disney's prices better or not.

With that being said, last year when I made our PS for our trip, I was asked the ages of my children at that time. When we checked in at the various establishments, the information that I provided was in the computer (a "print out"), and the ages of my children were already known. So basically your co-vacationer would have to plan ahead in order to lie well or not make any PS for your upcoming trip for her family.

Have a great trip!

 

[Sammie]

Here we go again with everyone that is going to be holier than thou. Do you lie to the officer that pulls you over for speeding or going through the red light? Do you ever stretch the truth a little to fit your needs? Do you show up for work a little late but get paid for the whole time anyway-since noone noticed? Have you ever taken a sick day, but really weren't physically sick? Ever drink alcohol before the age of 21? Noone is that perfect and those are just a few examples. Who cares who says what age their child is. I don't think it is just about price- it is more of an issue of what is the child actually eating. I have no problem with my child staying 9 a bit longer or any other if they need to. Paying $25 for a 10 year old to eat a hotdog or hamburger is ridiculous. Now if they eat the actual adult buffet and are a good eater then I would feel guilty. But I am not going to judge others- it is their business. Just go and have fun with your(in general) own family. Don't waste time worrying about who is getting away with something.

You know everyone has to do what they are comfortable with. If this person is comfortable lying to save some money, that is her problem. I am not going to condemn them or police them. The correct thing is to ask. I know at buffets you pay by age and sometimes it is not the best deal. I have seen 9 year old boys eat more than 17 year old girls. As to other restaurants, such as quick service I don't think they care. Many times seniors, or teen girls, or someone watching their weight would prefer smaller portions.

I do have a problem with some that think no one exists that is honest. I do none of the things you listed above and it offends me that some think everyone cheats on something. Why is it so hard to believe that there are some very honest people in the world. I was raised in a very strong Christian based family and we did not lie, steal, or cheat and we still don't. You stated you are not going to judge others, but you judge those that are honest to be lying about it.

We may be few and far between, but some of us exist and I think there are probably more here at DIS than you would think.

 

[swincha]

No flames please! I'm not going to lie!...I read about the new age policy on children's meals, and no I'm not happy about it, as my son is turning 10 in August, and out trip is in October. but I WILL follow the rules, I'll probably be cutting out some buffets, and looking for sit downs that have some kind of burger or chicken on the adult menu, or maybe some chicken fingers as an appetizer, he can order. (I'm hoping they will still let me order off the children's, at some of the places were I cant find anything on the appetizer or adult menu.) But here is were my question comes in: I emailed this info to a couple that's going with us, as their child will be also 10 when we go. Their answer was, she is small so we will just lie and say she is 9! This made me mad for 2 reasons, #1 you should' t make your 10 year old lie! #2 I'm following the rules, she can afford the new prices better than i can, she should also HAVE to follow the rules! I'm hoping they would have the children's ages in the computer and she will be charged for her 10 year old! Is this at all possible, or will she get away with the lie!

its their child and the lessons they will teach their child. i wouldnt' do it just for that point. if you have children later if they ask explain that you do not agree but this is their decision. if the children ask at dinner while the waitress is there just let the other parents talk and pull your kids aside later. you cant' teach other people honesty. you can tell your friends that this makes you very uncomfortable. this is why we don't vacation with other people i just can't deal with other people issues when i want to enjoy myself.

if it isn't about what your kids say then you can ignore it, tell her how you feel and then have tension or not vacation together. its amazing. my son is 16 and says everyone but one other person steals(food ect... from work) is lazy ect... i know i have taught my son right. i can't be responsible for the others.

this even applies to the people who got their"deal" of .99 cent holiday inn rooms i feel it is stealing. they feel they got a bargain and who cares. its all about honesty and ethics. its a shame their isn't alot of this these days.

 

[swincha]

I've never had a problem ordering a kids meal for my 13 DS at any restaurant. I don't think they can tell you no even if you're 50 years old and want to order off the kids menu....

my mom has done this before due to a medical condition. just ask their policy as someone said that they do give you double childrens portion and charge you double. that is at least spoodles policy. however some waitresses might see your child is small with a small appetite and say no problem to the kids prices and menu. exept you really shouldn't do that on a buffet. some adults don't eat much on buffets but get charged full price also

 

[grimley1968]

But here is were my question comes in: I emailed this info to a couple that's going with us, as their child will be also 10 when we go. Their answer was, she is small so we will just lie and say she is 9! This made me mad for 2 reasons, #1 you should' t make your 10 year old lie! #2 I'm following the rules, she can afford the new prices better than i can, she should also HAVE to follow the rules! I'm hoping they would have the children's ages in the computer and she will be charged for her 10 year old! Is this at all possible, or will she get away with the lie!

Are you sure you still want to go with this couple and their child? It sounds like you have a pretty fundamental disagreement about ethics with them. I can certainly see the spot you'd be in if your child sees that couple lying to save a few $$$ on food. If I was going with someone and they tried that with my knowledge, I might find a different choice of traveling companions, or just go with my family by ourselves.

I'm not trying to pass judgment on whether it's wrong for those people to lie about their kid's age, but it sounds to me like there may be some unpleasantries on the trip, given such disagreements about something like this.

 

[swincha]

I think you should MYOB.

i think you should make a choice. don't vacation with them or ignore it and explain it to your child later if your child asks questions

 

[bluejasmine]

Ok, I Knew this was going to be a Hot topic when I seen the title of the post.. I think everyone now a days needs to save a little money but I also beieve that lieing will come back around in one way or another if you know what I mean. It does bother me that WDW child tickets and menus are for 3-9 when almost everywhere else is 11 or 12 so I would ask if your child can order from the childs menu if it is still filling enough for them, I have a feeling most CM won't have a problem with that.