When is a toddler/child too old....

[MamaLema]

I don't think it matters at all. You paid for the meal. I think it would be a big deal if it were a buffet and you were avoiding paying for a child but let them eat off your plate

 

[Wishing on a star]

What a silly thread.

Heck, My DH and I frequently share at restaurants!!! We are not too old!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

What a silly thread.

Heck, My DH and I frequently share at restaurants!!! We are not too old!!!

One correction--there is no such thing as a silly thread on the DIS community forum!

 

[rt2dz]

to eat off of an adult's plate at a restaurant?

DS is now 28 months old. On the rare occassion where we eat out, he usually just eats from our plates (places like applebees, outback, mexican sit down places, etc). Occasionally, if we are eating something he wont like, we do order him a kids meal or side item. But generally he eats little, if any, of it.

We do always tip very generously to account for ds's presence at the table.

At what age do you feel it is inappropriate to NOT buy food for your dc?

Haven't read beyond this post. I'm an ex-server, ex-restaurant manager, and still occasional event planner, so I feel I can answer this.

Whenever your child eats 75%-100% of his own meal or complains if he doesn't get his own meal. Really, that is not a big deal at any age.

 

[Colleen456]

Portion sizes are so big now that I often will share with my kids.

My SIL still shares most meals with FIL when we go out and they will have leftovers.

BuzznBelle'smom my DD (14 months) eats more than her big brother and he's 7!

 

[padams]

DSs were each about 3 when they wanted to eat their own meals. At about this age, they also ate enough to justify a separate meal. Don't worry about this issue. It will work itself out in time.

 

[disykat]

I think it's fine at any age. Of course, we pay the plate fee or whatever the restaurant policy is - but I've never had that be an issue. We generally eat at family friendly places and they're used to this.

My 13 year old often has just an appetizer, side dish or drink and shares with us. We ask for an extra plate and no one ever blinks an eye. Other times he's so starved he eats an adult entree and half of mine as well. All of us order according to our appetite when we eat out - and sometimes that means sharing.