Being a parent often feels like juggling, and when it comes to meal times, it’s no different. As a parent, you strive to make everyone happy, but the reality is that it’s not always possible. The idea that parents should cater to each child’s individual meal preferences every single time is not only impractical but also unrealistic. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s really like to handle meal times in a larger family.

When people comment that our kids never get to choose what they want to eat, it’s clear they don’t understand the dynamics of family life. If you have more than one child, you’ll know that no matter how hard you try, you can’t make everyone happy all the time. Let’s break it down:

Imagine we’re planning to go out for pizza. How often do you think all our kids want pizza? There’s always one or two who would rather have burgers. But how do you get burgers at a pizza place? It’s not feasible.

Also, when we do go to restaurants, it’s not like our kids get to order the most expensive items on the menu. If our son wants a $65 steak, he’s out of luck because even I don’t get that, and my husband makes a better steak at home anyway. We need to be practical and economical, and that means not always catering to individual whims.

At home, we often ask our kids for their input on meals. We want them to enjoy what they’re eating and to feel involved in meal planning. But this doesn’t mean they always get exactly what they want. We consider their preferences within reason and based on what we’re planning. If they’re going to waste the food, it doesn’t make sense to indulge every request.

The assumption that our kids never get a say because you see a few videos of us ordering for them is just incorrect. They do get to choose, but within the boundaries of practicality. For example, if we’re getting pizza, do we order a whole pizza for each person just because they want different kinds? That’s expensive and wasteful. At nicer places, medium pizzas can cost upwards of $45 each. Ordering three or more just to cater to individual preferences could easily hit $150. That’s not feasible for most families.

So, while it might seem like we’re not giving our kids choices, the reality is that we do—just not in the way some might expect. Managing family meals is about balance, practicality, and making sure everyone gets a fair share without unnecessary extravagance.

Understanding the intricacies of family meal planning helps dispel myths and sets realistic expectations. Every family has its unique way of balancing preferences and practicality, and that’s what makes each family’s approach special.