Becoming an adult is HARD. Moving away to college, living on your own, starting a new life, and having to learn a lot. But one of the hardest parts is outgrowing the socially acceptable age to order off of the kids' menu.
Nothing reminds you that you're growing up more than a server telling you no you cannot have the child sized chicken strips and too bad that you know you will not eat 60% of an adult sized plate.
Sometimes a girl just wants to order a grilled cheese without getting a faceful for it.
Sometimes you just want to taste a little bit of childhood in the midst of the craziness of adulting.
For a minute, you can close your eyes and pretend like you're still 5 years old sitting at the counter sharing a sandwich with your mom.
One of the worst parts about ordering off of the kids' menu is the inevitable judgment. Friends, family and your server look at you like you've lost your mind or suddenly have two heads or something else of equal insanity. If still wanting to order this way inhibits my adult status then so be it.
I have no shame for just wanting a kid-sized plate. As someone who has repeatedly been thought older than their age, I am very jealous of those that can still pass for young enough to get away with ordering from it. I got shot down from ordering from the kid's menu when I was still a kid! Yes, it may be offensive to be mistaken for eleven at nineteen, but hey it definitely has some major perks!
Although there may be some negatives to ordering, they are solvable issues that do not even come close to outshining the amazingness that is a kid's meal. As a former waitress, I understand how having adults order from the kids' menu is not always cost effective. However, I know that I, along with many others, would be willing to pay an up charge for doing so and businesses would even be smart to offer the option. Cutting down on food waste while being economically smart means a win for the restaurant and a win for those who just want some nuggets.
In the end, isn't everyone still somewhat a child at heart? And nothing helps you get in touch with that inner child like having the freedom to order like one.
