Two-for-One
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I have two young kids. We don’t indulge in things like smoothies and ice cream cones every day while running around on errands, but once in a while I find that there’s nothing quite like the bribe of a treat to extend my kids’ patience.
I can’t be the only parent out there who has noticed how incredibly large most kids portions are. My guess is that the portions restaurants and other establishments give kids are probably the correct size for adults, while the adult portions are about the size a giant would need. I didn’t like giving my kids these portions which were obviously too large for kids, let alone toddlers. My kids didn’t finish them anyhow, so I felt like I was wasting food and money.
So here is what I did: Instead of ordering two smoothies or two ice creams or whatever we were indulging in, I ordered one and asked the clerk to put it into two containers. It sounds like a simple enough change, but once I started doing that I noticed that I was not only saving a lot of money, but there was a lot less mess to clean up too. It was such a small change, but it made a big impact.
There are only a couple of places around town who get a little annoyed at my request, like the coffee shop down the road that makes me pay an extra twenty-five cents for splitting a drink into two cups. Places like Starbucks and Dairy Queen have always been quite accommodating, though, and I like the fact that I’m saving money while also controlling portions for my kids better.
If you’re like me and have two Little Ones, give this a try the next time you zip through a drive-thru for a quick treat. Your kids probably won’t even notice the change, and you’ll save some money while you’re at it.
Science-mom says...
I have twins and I`m doing this, too, everytime we eat out. Indeed most kiddie portions/kiddie menus are so big. When we`re only the road is the only time that the kids get to eat fries or hot dogs - and the one-for-two trick makes sure that we a) save money b)the kids don`t eat too much junk food c) mom and/or dad don`t need to eat all the leftovers d) the kids learn to share.
MrsH says...
I order the kids meals for myself too. It’s a great way to save!
digitalizes says...
That is an excellent idea. I will give this a go next time I am out with my nephews. I could save myself a small fortune ordering drinks and food this way.
jamie plaster says...
We do this as well. We also split our meals with the kids instead of ordering their own meal, we get two meals that include foods that they like and sometimes will order an extra side of steamed veggies. Sometimes I have even split the kiddie meal with my 3YO and we were both full.
On the oh-so-exciting occasions that we go through McD’s, I get two happy meals with apples and milk and I order an item off the $1 menu for me. There is always enough for me and my two girls and it is less than $8!