I made the rookie mistake of keeping track. Five days a week, my kids indulge in fast food. We stick to one particular chain that offers kale salads, fruit cups, and grilled nuggets. But those fries? Oh, the fries. The kids can’t resist them, and honestly, neither can I—I often find myself ordering a large size. They wash it down with sweet tea, and living in the South, you know it’s loaded with sugar. The one saving grace is that they skip dessert since they have gluten allergies that prevent them from enjoying an ice cream cone.
Sure, it sounds like a lot, but I have my reasons. My culinary skills barely extend beyond microwaving leftovers and scrambling eggs. If I had the know-how, I could whip up a nutritious meal, but for now, it’s all about fruit salads and fries. At least I’m not heating up questionable nuggets or dishing out sandwiches with mysterious meat products—because who really wants to know what’s in hot dogs? Even the Animaniacs advise against it, and that’s about the extent of my cooking expertise. When we’re at home, I typically resort to PB&J and some kind of fruit, whether it’s canned or fresh.
Most days, we’re racing against the clock. On Mondays, for instance, before their homeschool PE class, time slips away from me as I juggle actual homeschooling, getting myself ready, and dressing three kids, one of whom prefers to run around in the buff. Sometimes, I just need a shower, even if the world is burning. Before I know it, we’re running late, and fast food becomes the solution. I know I’m not alone here—while I’m rushing to PE, other moms are dashing to soccer or dance classes. We all need to fuel our kids before their big events. No guilt here!
Yeah, when I add it all up, my kids consume their fair share of fried potatoes and sugary drinks. But you know what? It keeps our lives running smoothly. If we’re really pressed for time, we hit the drive-thru and munch on fruit cups and fries in the car, often en route to the gym. My kids have mastered the art of devouring a meal in 10 minutes, just like every other kid in America. Some might feel guilty about this, but I view my kids, along with their fellow fry aficionados in car seats, as culinary experts. No mama guilt here either!
After class, we often return to our go-to fast food joint, which is perfect for meeting friends. The place is usually quiet at that hour, allowing us to grab a table near the play area. I order snacks for the kids—fries and shared fruit cups—while I indulge in fries and a kale salad. They devour their food as quickly as possible, eager to dive into the plastic jungle gym. Even my 2 ½-year-old joins in. This gives my friend and me some much-needed kid-free time—up to an hour! It’s no wonder so many moms gather at fast food spots. We can chat freely, share a laugh, and reconnect without little ones tugging at us. It’s a true blessing.
On days with music lessons, the play area serves as an ideal outlet for my two sons, who both have ADD and a hint of hyperactivity. A little playtime helps them focus better afterward. I can feed them lunch—nuggets, a small fry each, and split fruit cups—saving me time at home. I even manage to eat lunch myself (two kale salads and a side of fries). Then, I let them run wild for an hour while I sip tea and scroll through my phone. After that, they head to their lessons, where they’re more focused and well-behaved.
Sometimes, they eat in the car too. I find myself desperately craving a tea—like it’s a lifeline. As I pull into the drive-thru, the kids start their usual chorus of “Ma-ma, I’m hun-gry.” It doesn’t matter if they just ate minutes ago or if I tried my best with a PB&J; they want lemonades and fries. I attempt to push the fruit cup, but it falls flat. When faced with a hungry child, I cave.
Breakfast is another story. We visit a local spot, and it always begins with a simple need: I just want a tea. Yet by the time I reach the window, I find myself ordering hash browns, eggs, and bacon, even after just making a dozen slices of toast at home. I’m sure I’m not the only mom grabbing breakfast on the go!
So yes, when I tally it all up, my kids consume a lot of fried foods and sugary drinks. But it keeps things running smoothly in our busy lives. My husband cooks nutritious meals in the evening, ensuring the boys get their veggies and proteins. During the day, I rely on convenience. We simply couldn’t manage without it, and I know I’m not alone in this.
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Summary:
In this lighthearted piece, Jenna Thompson candidly discusses her kids’ frequent fast food consumption and the reasons behind it. Juggling homeschooling and busy schedules, she embraces the convenience of quick meals like fries, fruit cups, and sweet tea, all while ensuring her children receive nutritious dinners prepared by her husband. It’s a relatable look at modern parenting without guilt, highlighting the balance between convenience and health.