Sometimes, we spent too much time wondering where to bring the kids for meals over weekends. While some crave for home-cooked food, having an opportunity to dine out is definitely a menu change for the kids! However, dining out with young kids especially at restaurants, can be somehow inconvenient when they choose to misbehave, refuse to be seated, dirty themselves or even make lots of noise!

I remember 2 years ago, I was alone with the kids at a Swensens Restaurant, in a busy shopping complex. The boys were craving for western and Italian food. When the food was served, I was busy distributing the food to both boys as they were getting restless. Darren had actually crawled under the dining table! At that moment, I guess I looked frustrated and busy, both hands busily moving from one plate to another….one hand cutting chicken and the other hand scooping spaghetti *haha*. Coincidentally, a friend saw me and I didn’t realize how super-busy I had looked until I was told! Must admit even a calm woman can be a clumsy mother sometimes especially when she has to handle 2 rowdy and demanding boys in public alone *Sigh*. Well, not to mention my other “special” stories when I have to shop with them alone *Sigh Sigh*.

Lately, I realized that simplicity can create a pleasant and surprising dining experience with the kids too. There is no stress of creating a scene in restaurants or worries of paying too much for fun and enjoyable meals with the kids.

So….we buy takeaway food like McDonalds and dine with the kids in the comfort of the car at great scenery spot like a quiet park and beach. We have also tried picnics with the kids. The result is a surprised and different dining experiencing for the family and the kids enjoy it! I do agree that one does not have to go to the extent of special planning or spending too much money to make living fun.

Sometimes, I can be a crazy parent, creating a whole new experience and activity for my kids. Just an extra effort and indulging in something different and the kids can get really thrilled! Life can be boring if we lead it without change, huh?

Enjoying McDonalds in the comfort of the car. Phew! unlike the restaurant, I do not have to worry about the boys creating a messy sight and also competing for the fries *haha*

Darren is offering me his "precious fries". They have already finished their burgers. Why do children love french fries??

A brand new experience for the kids as they dine in the open air .... on mats in the open area, together with many Singaporeans as we await the start of National Day Parade just next to One Fullerton. Hmmm....really know how to make use of time and enjoy life huh? Enjoying a game after the meal and while waiting.....

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