https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:18:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291591 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:45:18 +0000 Adira 2291591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We always bring food for Xander, but he has food allergies and dairy is hidden in everything. I didn't realize I was supposed to tell people upfront about my bringing food for him... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291533 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:56:03 +0000 catomd00 2291533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have an 18 month old and have never and would never bring separate food go someone's house. At home if she doesn't want what we are having, I do allow her to have a healthy choice of something else. I figure sometimes I don't want to eat what I planned to make for dinner and make something else, so it's not really "fair" to not give her a choice that I get. I won't be making separate meals because I hate to cook as it is, but if there's something she wants that is easy and healthy I'll do it. I want to make eating as stress free as possible for both of us and not make it into a power struggle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291526 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:54:26 +0000 Mae 2291526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is maybe a little smaller than most of yours (16 mo) so I don't know if that matters but I sort of do...? At home she doesn't get many options both because I want her to eat what I want her to eat and also because she doesn't talk yet. But for stuff like snacks I usually pull two options out and let her pick. But when we go to restaurants I always pack her food. We are still working on her eating "normal" type food (i.e. like prepared stuff with spices and mixed together). She is pretty good about eating elements of stuff but she doesn't like a lot of sauces, seasonings, or things that are all mixed up. Also she doesnt have her molars all in so she has a hard time chewing some things. We always give her food off of our plates at restaurants but she rarely eats much of it so it is just easier to pack her some plain meat and soft cooked veggies rather than rely on trying to order a kids meal and hope they have something soft enough (also she hates broccoli which is usually the cooked veg offered at restaurants). We haven't actually eaten dinner at someone else's house since she has been on solids but I would prob ask what they are having and see if it is adaptable. I think in most cases we could probably work with whatever they are having unless it is like a casserole or chili or something. But I probably would throw a pouch and some crackers in my bag just in case she doesn't eat anything to avoid a hangry meltdown. I pick my battles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291516 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:46:22 +0000 JoJoGirl 2291516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: If you told me that, I would treat it like a food allergy and make accommodations, not get offended. I wouldn't un-invite you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291452 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:12:38 +0000 hilsy85 2291452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: if I'm inviting you to my home, I would imagine that we are close enough that I know this fact about your child. If not, and my child had sensory issues/I was inviting a child with sensory issues, I would just say/expect to hear something like, "Lo has some sensory issues with food and can be pretty picky, so if it's ok with you I will just bring a little packed meal for him, so no need to worry about feeding him." As a host, I woudl immediately ask, "what are good/safe foods for him to eat, I can of course have those available!". I can't imagine a kid's eating issues making him less likely to be welcome at someone's house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291409 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:51:36 +0000 regberadaisy 2291409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never leave the house without snacks for both girls. But I never bring a separate meal for them either. But I'm also lucky that neither are super picky eaters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291404 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:49:27 +0000 ShootingStar 2291404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't bring food with me, but I have the luxury of assuming DS will eat *something* being served, even if it may not be an ideal meal. For example we went to a bbq at a friend's house and DS decided he mostly wanted to eat chips and salsa but no hamburger/hot dog/chicken. I think he ate maybe half a hot dog. But normally wherever we can he can find something, usually something I'm eating.</p> <p>If someone brought food over I wouldn't be offended, I'd assume their kid was being really picky. Or, if they're coming for dinner we're probably good friends and I already know that they have issues with food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291396 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:44:19 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 2291396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I typically bring snacks in my purse like grapes, dehydrated fruit and Cheerios. We usually have LO eat what the host is serving, but I've been burned before when the only food available was chips and spicy Mexican candy until dinner (which was only tamales, no sides) was served at 7 pm. By that time my LO was full on the 2 bags of Cheetos she ate because she eats dinner at 6. This was at a 3 yo birthday party that started at 4:30 pm and I assumed (wrongly) that there would be some kid-friendly options. </p> <p>I wouldn't be offended if someone brought food for their kid, but I try to make sure that their is something everyone can eat and always ask about food allergies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291358 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:15:49 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2291358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't imagine bringing something to someone else's home since right now I don't plan to offer choices or only kid-friendly fare at my home. But, I will say one time I co-hosted a ladies lunch and one of the women brought her grand child. The baby was at least one and was a last minute +1 request. The grandma did not bring food and we had to scramble to figure out what was on the house that was kid friendly per the grandma's request when they walked in. I don't think I would be upset if someone brought their own food, but as a host I would be happy to review my menu and make sure everyone had something they would eat on the table. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291344 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:07:09 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2291344@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bring LO's lunch or dinner wherever we go as a just in case. He's allergic to eggs, and it's surprising how many things have eggs in them or are manufactured at a place that handles eggs. Pasta is a big one because they usually manufacture egg noodles where they manufacture the pasta. </p> <p>If we go and there's something there for him, we go with that, but if there's any uncertainty about the eggs, we go with what we brought. I usually apologize to the host/hostess if bringing food offends, but would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to his allergy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291340 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:03:10 +0000 looch 2291340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bring my son's food wherever we go, trust me, I wish I didn't have to. But my son had some issues chewing and what not...while we've resolved that, he is very untrusting of new foods and new foods in new environments.</p> <p>Tell me, those of you that would be offended, do I have to disclose up front that my son has these food issues? The thing is, I don't want my son to be limited to where he is invited because of what he eats. If you knew that I'd bring his food, would you invite him/us? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291326 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:49:13 +0000 winniebee 2291326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I don't provide options - home or anywhere else. But dinner generally consists of a few things (veggie, starch, meat....) and he can eat one or more of those things or nothing. If I'm making something really spicy or something (like last night I made buffalo chicken sliders) I set aside the chicken and he had that part plain.</p> <p>The baby eats more or less anything and if he doesn't he's 9 months and can just nurse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291314 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:40:26 +0000 mediagirl 2291314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't take food with us. She eats what we eat. If she doesn't want it, she doesn't eat. There is normally at least one thing she will eat so I don't worry about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291311 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:39:19 +0000 Bubbles 2291311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do bring something like a sandwich and a banana for my 20 mo DS. He is very picky and I don't want the host to feel awkward if they don't have anything to offer him if he won't eat the main meal. At home I will not offer him replacement food if he won't eat what I've offered, but I guess I don't want him to be hangry at someone elses house. His pickiness is a sore spot for me though and it is not improving - so I'm very aware that what I am doing may not be the best thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291310 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:37:37 +0000 shellio 2291310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Never. My LOs get what we are eating. The 3 year old has gotten somewhat picky but he will cooperate with his 3 required bites and he knows that if he wants something different, he needs to finish what he is served first, and he rarely does. That's all for dinner, though, we do ask what he wants to eat for breakfast and lunch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291303 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:33:29 +0000 Alivoo01 2291303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope. He eats what we eat. We try to have a lil variety at each meal, but it doesn't always happen that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291302 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:32:50 +0000 blackbird 2291302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, i would never do this. I have found that when we eat at others' homes, though, they tend to serve more toddler friendly food and cater to their kid's diet, so E happily eats treat food. I worry more when WE have guests, that their kids won't eat what I serve, so I do tend to 1) run the meal by mom and 2) serve something special for the kids 3) serve an all-family friendly option (like tacos). I don't really do choices at home b/c I just plate out what we're having and she can choose to eat what she wants from that plate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291299 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:30:35 +0000 JoJoGirl 2291299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At home I give her two options and no more ("Do you want chicken or hot dog? Do you want corn or peas?") for each 'course'. I NEVER bring food when we go to someone else's home and she's always eaten at least one of the options they offer. We went to relatives' for dinner last night and they had baked chicken, wild rice, squash, zucchini... LO ate mostly rice since she never gets it at home ;) and some chicken. Oh and had her first chicken soup ever! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2291295 Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:27:12 +0000 Mommy Finger 2291295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tend to have the same feelings about eating at someone else's house as @hilsy85: </p> <p>That being said, we do offer some choices at dinner but it's mainly around things like, do you want watermelon or grapes on the side of the dinner that we're all eating so he's more apt to feel like he has some control and will actually eat. But it's always a choice where I'm happy with either one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290906 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 21:10:14 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2290906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never thought to bring something to someone else's house and my LO likes typical foods. But I definitely provide options at home because I need him to eat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290830 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:32:00 +0000 Tanjowen 2290830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't bring a whole meal, but I do bring food I know he will eat - pouches, string cheese, black beans in tupperware - and give those to him along with what our host serves. </p> <p>More often than not, our hosts eat at completely different time than our schedule and I need to feed LO at his normal time anyways. A cranky hot mess of a toddler is no fun for anyone! He's not yet 2 though, so as he gets older I would hope to not have to do this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290817 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:16:38 +0000 hilsy85 2290817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: oh this is for somewhere you're staying multiple days?! and she makes the same thing for dinner every night? what about breakfast/lunch? If any of those work, I would just repeat them for dinner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290816 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:16:27 +0000 catlady 2290816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, never, although LO is not that picky. We have really tried hard to introduce her to a wide variety of foods though, and we don't give her special options at home. My niece and nephew started getting picky as toddlers and now as young kids, they only eat like 3 things total. My MIL and BIL have to make special meals for them for every single meal, including holidays (the rest of us eat turkey, sides, and pie, and they eat hot dogs). I really don't want to have to deal with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290814 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:14:58 +0000 Foodnerd81 2290814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: I guess I feel bad with my kid eating up all her cheese and fruit! I'm sure she wouldn't care but she can seriously eat a lot of cheese. And we usually stay there for a couple of days and I don't want her eating only cheese and bananas for three days. But again, I really probably could do less of this now, I got in the habit when she was still really little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290808 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:09:25 +0000 Trailmix 2290808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll bring a bar or a pouch if we are eating elsewhere but nothing else, usually. And I don't offer options when we eat at home, other than plain yogurt as an alternative to dinner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290803 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:06:20 +0000 hilsy85 2290803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I guess maybe for older relatives it's different, i.e. they are not as observant/understanding, and you might not feel as comfortable saying, "hey is there any fruit handy? LO is being picky about the fish". Also I guess all of our older relatives are such food pushers that there are a million options out, and if they notice that LO is not stuffing his face, they offer up even more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290799 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:04:34 +0000 Foodnerd81 2290799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: I should add in thinking mostly of DH's grandmother, who has a set fee meals she always makes for us, which we love but LO doesn't- baked fish (LO doesn't like fish), spare ribs... And often paired with salad. So I don't want to put her out telling her that C won't eat any of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290797 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:03:25 +0000 Mamasig 2290797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I don't think there is anything wrong with bringing food for her. I'd rather have a fed child than a hungry cranky one. DS1 has gotten pretty picky and doesn't eat much when we are out at another home. He's usually too busy playing too. Yes, we also sometimes cater to him, but I really think it is a phase for him. At least I hope! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290795 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:03:14 +0000 hilsy85 2290795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I would find it weird if I went to someone's house for a meal and the whole meal was just a green salad! with nothing else on the table..</p> <p>ETA if we're going somewhere for a meal, so will prob be there for 2+ hours, I generally bring snacks as well to keep him occupied until food is ready/after adults are done eating. So I do that, but I don't think pouches/crackers are the same as like bringing your own deli meat and bread, or packaged food to microwave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-offer-options-for-your-kids#post-2290793 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:02:17 +0000 hilsy85 2290793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: It has always been my experience, both as a hostess and as a guest, that there is generally a discussion of the menu if kids are involved, i.e. "Oh we were thinking pasta and some roasted veggies for dinner, does that sound ok for little Johnny?". If, for example, my child was super picky about sauces, I might ask for the host to leave some pasta to the side before it is tossed in sauce, or ask if they would mind making just some plain pasta on the side. Not to mention, I have never been to a house that didn't contain at least a few food items that my kid or other kids would eat, i.e peanut butter and jelly, cheese, bread, fruit. </p> <p>Not to mention, when I go to someone else's house, I kind of assume that LO probably will not have the best eating night--he never eats as well at other people's houses as he does at home, but that's ok. He gets balanced meals most of the time, so if a meal at someone else's house consists of a dinner roll and some noodles, that's ok. I would just find it really offensive if someone came to my house for dinner and brought their own food to prepare--as if assuming that I was incapable of making sure ALL my guests are fed. </p>