Why Do People Love Denny’s?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of breakfast joints that make your head and heart sing, let’s examine why so many people love Denny’s.

For starters, Denny’s is open 24 hours a day. This makes it convenient for families to roll up any time, especially during traveling! Here, they can enjoy delicious and savory breakfasts that are perfect for refueling.

Secondly, Denny’s is family oriented. This means those with large parties or small children feel comfortable in the setting. With the cozy and family-friendly atmosphere and comfort foods, Denny’s rarely misses the mark.

Best Menu Items at Denny’s

Denny’s is a hot spot for tasty and filling breakfast meals all day. While there are so many mouthwatering items on the menu, here are several favorites.

• The Grand Slamwich
• Grand Slam Slugger
• French Toast Slam
• Wild West Omelette
• All-American Slam
• Country Fried Steak and Eggs
• Lumberjack Slam
• Choconana Pancake Breakfast
• Cinnamon Roll Pancake Breakfast

Are There Better Breakfast Places Out There?

As popular and beloved as Denny’s is, it’s hard to deny that there are, in fact, better breakfast joint options. This is especially true for families. Whether you are looking for a different atmosphere, menu options, or price, here are the top breakfast places that beat Denny’s. (In some people’s eyes.)

Waffle House

Waffle House is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in the United States. Like Denny’s, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, Waffle House has menu options and prices similar to Denny’s. One of their customer favorites is called the All-Star Special. This includes a waffle of your choice, a sausage or bacon, eggs, toast, and a side.

Waffle House

The atmosphere at Waffle House is slightly different, as most Waffle Houses tend to be smaller than Denny’s, with a simple and practical environment. They don’t necessarily give the same cozy vibe that Denny’s does.

So, while Denny’s may have a cozier atmosphere, Waffle House is quick and reasonably priced, and you can still get meals similar to Denny’s.

Cracker Barrel

Southern breakfast restaurants are appealing to families for many reasons. They are typically relaxing and family oriented. This means that families feel comfortable bringing their children into these types of restaurants without feeling judged. (Most of the time.)

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is the epitome of the perfect southern restaurant. You have Southern hospitality with friendly wait staff, and the shop customers can peruse while waiting.

Furthermore, their affordable meals are down-home comfort food, which is perfect. This includes their breakfasts, which can be purchased all day. There’s no need to rush out the door in the morning for those grits, hashbrowns, and eggs. Any time of the day will suffice, meaning it doesn’t matter when those cravings hit!

Bob Evans

You can order more than just breakfast at Bob Evans, but why would you want to? At Bob Evans, families can eat at a decent price. Even better? The portion sizes match up or even exceed what you are paying for.

Bob Evans

Are you in the mood for a protein-filled breakfast? Then try the steak tips omelet. On the other hand, a delicious platter of double chocolate hotcakes is a family favorite. Additionally, Bob Evans has a very family-friendly atmosphere that is perfect for families who want a casual dining experience.

Panera

Technically, Panera is a bakery, not necessarily a breakfast shop. However, bakeries are among the best places to get yummy breakfast foods. While you can’t get breakfast at Panera all day, you can stop in before 10:30 a.m. on the weekdays and grab one of their delicious menu options.

Panera

Are you and your kids in the mood for some filling oats? Try Panera’s steel-cut oatmeal with strawberries and pecans. Or are you in the mood for a tasty sandwich? Then, opt for the Asiago Sausage and Egg Sandwich.

At Panera, families also enjoy the relaxed environment and cafe-focused atmosphere.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the top coffee competitors, right next to Starbucks. While you can’t sit in front of a savory hot plate of pancakes and bacon at Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s still a top contender.

Here, you can grab a quick breakfast and drink to help you through the day.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’s most popular menu item is its coffee. Whether you like hot, frozen, or iced, Dunkin’ has you covered. They also have tasty breakfast wraps, donuts, and more to help fuel you for a long day.

IHop

IHop is very similar to Denny’s in that it has a very family-friendly atmosphere. If your children love pancakes, IHop is the place to take them. The pancakes are described as some of the very best around. These delicious breakfasts include the Cinn-A-Stack with cinnamon roll filling and cream cheese icing. Talk about mouthwatering!

One Last Note

If you are looking for a great breakfast place that is better than Denny’s, look no further. All these restaurants are worth the try, whether you are looking for a quick pick-me-up or a hot and delicious breakfast platter. Take your pick, and you be the judge. Are any of these breakfast spots better than Denny’s? (Read: The 12 Cheapest Food Chains to Feed a Family On.)

Change: The Portion Sizes Seem to be Getting Smaller

Back when I was a young Chipotle fan, I went there because they offered huge portion sizes. I could ask for a burrito bowl and feel like I’d be full for a month. However, that seems to be changing over time. In an effort to save money, it appears that Chipotle’s leadership is instructing employees to provide smaller portions. At best, the portions are highly varied so that you never know what you’re going to get. Don’t believe me? Just look at the facts…

Caught Giving Smaller Portions

A few years ago, it became a TikTok trend to call out when Chipotle was giving smaller portion sizes. The company ignored the negative publicity for a while until a guy named Zachary Fadem decided to put them to the test. He went to eight different Chipotle restaurants and ordered a total of 75 burrito bowls. When he compared them all, it was clear that the contents were varied, some as much as 33%. After those results were made public, the CEO looked into the issue and confirmed the shortages. He vowed that all employees would be properly trained and that equal portions would be provided. But were they?

Change: Prices are Increasing

If you haven’t felt it yet, you will soon. The prices at Chipotle are going to increase. Much of the reason is related to the employees. Whether it’s because the company wants to attract more workers or because of minimum wage increases across the nation, they are paying employees more than ever before. However, unlike many other companies that shift funds across their organization to increase wages, Chipotle is getting that money for its employees by charging you more to eat there.

You Will See Price Increases

You may be a Chipotle fan now, but you may not be for long. Especially if you live in places like California. Wages there are increasing by as much as 20% in many places. As a result, Chipotle raised prices on menu items by 6-7%. That seems like a small number, but it can quickly add up, and you may decide to go elsewhere. Hopefully, the price hikes will end here.

Change: They Did Something to Attract Disease

This one is not a change that Chipotle likely did on purpose, but the restaurant has a problem with attracting disease, rats, and other unsavory conditions that make it hard to choose them and not a competitor. Let’s start with the disease. Throughout the years 2015-2018, the company had been linked to various food-borne illnesses, including E. coli, Norovirus, and Salmonella. Apparently, the diseases affected more than 1,000 people. At one point, the Justice Department was even involved. It’s hoped that the chain has some control over this issue, but anything is possible.

They Also Attracted Rats

Disease is one thing, but when you also add rats to the equation, you know you’re in trouble. Back in 2020, a Chipotle restaurant in New York found that there was a major rat infestation. It was so bad that the rats chewed through computer wires, making it impossible for the restaurant to take orders. Granted, that was one occasion, but if Chipotle has not yetmade the appropriate changes, then it could happen again.

Change: Violating Labor Laws

I was a big Chipotle fan until I started to pay attention to the news. I began to learn that the company wasn’t so nice to employees all of the time. One instance occurred in New York, where it was discovered that the company was causing havoc with employee shifts by making last-minute changes, making people work long hours, and violating regulations for sick pay. They were providing less sick pay than what the state required, and as a result, they were sued. However, that wasn’t all…

Other Labor Issues

Chipotle has dealt with many other different labor issues over the years. Back in 2022, workers at a Chipotle location in Lansing became the first to unionize. After that, Chipotle denied them a raise because they said they didn’t qualify due to being a union. The company has also had some questionable hiring practices over the years, including hiring and firing mass amounts of illegal workers, and there have also been cases where they’ve wrongfully terminated employees. It’s a lot to soak in, and it may turn you off from the restaurants.

Change: They’re Going to Start Using Robots

Another recent change that was announced at Chipotle is that they plan to start using AI and robots to prepare some of their food. Specifically, they’re developing two new robots, which they call Chippy and Autocado. The Autocado robot is used to cut and peel avocados. Meanwhile, Chippy is being used for procuring tortilla chips. The robots are being tested in California restaurants, and if they’re successful, they’ll be rolled out to other restaurants.

Why This Is Bad

If you’re a Chipotle fan but you also like the human touch when you order your food, then you may be turned off. It’s one thing to be efficient with AI, but there’s the potential for it to get out of hand. At some point, the workforce could be replaced by robots. Chipotle has already had issues with following employment guidelines. Replacing employees could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the organization.

Change: They’re Not Doing a Lot to Make the Food Healthier

Chipotle is changing a lot of things. However, one aspect of the business that it still needs to work on updating is the healthiness of its food. While there are some healthy options, many of their offerings are loaded with fat, calories, and salt. For instance, their carnitas burrito has over 900 calories, close to 50 grams of fat, and 94 grams of carbs. This is just one of the meals of which you should beware.

Other Unhealthy Options

Although the ingredients may seem light and fresh, you should look at the nutritional information before ordering at Chipotle. The carnitas bowl is also loaded with calories. Especially if you add on cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, so be careful. You should also be cautious when ordering chips, as even a small portion can contain 420 mg of sodium. To put that into comparison, medical experts recommend you only have 2,300 milligrams of sodium in an entire day, so eat carefully.

Why is McDonald’s So Popular with Kids?

When you were a kid, did you ever beg your parents to run through the McDonald’s drive-through? If you could only get your hands on that delicious kid’s menu and see what surprise toy they put in it this time! McDonald’s is a favorite pastime for many. When it comes to kids’, this restaurant knows what it is doing.

Their philosophy has always been, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. What McDonald’s has been doing for years has worked. This is why you do not see them change much about their menu or restaurants. Kids love their simple menu items that are simultaneously delicious. At the same time, parents love that this restaurant doesn’t break the bank. While they aren’t everyone’s favorite, my kids love these six McDonald’s menu items.

Chicken McNuggets

Undoubtedly, the most popular McDonald’s menu item is their chicken McNuggets. You can order a four-piece or a six piece around 170 calories (this is per 4 chicken McNuggets. This makes some parents feel better if they worry about how many calories are in the McDonald’s kids’ meals.

Chicken McNuggets

Additionally, the Chicken McNuggets can be ordered in a larger size. Such as the 10-piece or even a 50-piece if you feed a family. With the juicy chicken and crispy batter in every bite, it’s no wonder kids choose the chicken McNuggets over and over.

French Fries

McDonald’s French fries are among the world’s most popular French fries, and for good reason. They have perfected their French fries to the point that putting them down gets harder and harder with every bite.

French Fries

Buying anything from McDonald’s for your child is hard without including the French fries. This is where the kid’s menu comes in handy. For less than $6 typically, your child can enjoy their favorite main menu item and a side of fries. It’s a win-win.

Cheeseburger

Keeping it simple is always a good idea with a kid. Especially if they are picky, this is where the cheeseburgers and hamburgers come in. The burger is 100% beef patty with a little seasoning.

Cheeseburger

If your kids love all the works, they will enjoy the cheese, onions, ketchup, mustard, and pickles on the cheeseburger. Of course, if you have a picky child like me, you can always ask for the extras to be removed. A simple slice of cheese, a beef patty, and a few pickles are perfect for kids who do not like all extras.

Shake

The milkshakes at McDonald’s make a perfect treat for kids and adults alike. They blend milk with ice cream until the perfect texture has been created. In addition to the creamy texture, the shakes have the flavor perfected to a T. They aren’t too sweet but perfect enough to curb those sweet tooth cravings.

Shake

Technically, McDonald’s Shake could be considered a milkshake, but they avoid that word. Instead, a simple shake is used to define this sweet dessert. This is because, in some states, the amount of milk may not be enough to be considered a milkshake because of regulations. Therefore, McDonald’s keeps things simple enough.

McChicken

Sometimes, kids don’t want a beef patty or chicken in the shape of a nugget. Instead, they choose a juicy chicken breast that hits the spot just right. A McChicken includes the crispy breaded chicken on top of a toasted wheat bun.

McChicken

You can also choose to get all the fixings on your McChicken. These include mayonnaise and lettuce. While it is a delicious meal, it is also high in calories and contains a lot of fat, at 357 calories per sandwich, so it can make some parents do a double-take.

McDouble

Another of my kids’ favorites from McDonald’s is the popular McDouble. The burger includes two beef patties made with 100% beef. Each patty is topped with American cheese and stacked on top of one another.

McDouble

Another reason the McDouble is so delicious is the extra ingredients that add to the savory flavor of the beef patties. These include pickles, onions, mustard, and ketchup. Of course, if your child is picky, just ask those ingredients to be removed.

In Conclusion

McDonald’s may be one of the most popular fast-food restaurants worldwide, but that doesn’t mean everything they make is appetizing, especially for children. However, kids tend to gobble up these six McDonald’s menu items, I know for a fact that my kids love them.

McDonald’s

The most popular fast-food restaurant around is undoubtedly McDonald’s. Though it isn’t exactly the healthiest option, there is no denying that they do have cheap menu items, making it one of the cheapest food chains out there.

McDonald’s

You can choose from their McValue option, which allows you to buy an item and then buy the same item for only a dollar extra. There is also the choice for the $5 bags. These bags include a four-piece chicken nugget, small fries, a soft drink, and a chicken or a McDouble. These choices, coupled with their already great prices, make McDonald’s a great option for families on the go.

Bob Evans

Another one of the cheap food chains out there, Bob Evans is an excellent option if you are in the mood for a sit-down casual restaurant that isn’t exactly fast food. They offer a $7.99 deal to order breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Options include pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, down-home country fried steak, or chicken breasts.

Bob Evans

Even more, Bob Evans offers family-sized menu options for low prices. These include family-sized buttered corn for $3.49, mashed potatoes and gravy for $6.99, and a grilled chicken family meal for $19.99. These choices make eating out as a family more appealing when you know you won’t be breaking the bank.

In-N-Out

Like McDonald’s, In-N-Out is another great fast-food restaurant for families. Their secret menu is immensely popular with customers, and so are their cheaper menu items.

These menu items include cheeseburgers for only $4.10 a piece, hamburgers for $3.60, and French fries for only $2.10.

Denny’s

Denny’s is a breakfast joint that makes it easy to enjoy a savory and hearty breakfast any time of night. This is an excellent choice if you are on the road late at night, craving a large stack of pancakes.

Denny’s has a $4, $6, and $8 value menu that makes dining as a family affordable and enjoyable.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a tasty destination for those craving Tex-Mex for lunch or dinner. They have a cravings value menu that starts around $1.19 with a cheesy roll-up. From there, choices hover between $1 and 3 dollars, with choices like the three-cheese chicken flatbread melt and the double-stacked taco.

Taco Bell

Additionally, many combo options stay around $10 or under, and the tacos and burritos also stay close to $5 and under. This abundance of choices makes it easy to feed a large family for less.

Chili’s

Chili’s is another sit-down restaurant that offers value choices. These choices include the 3 For Me deal, which includes a drink, appetizer, and entree. This option begins at $10.99. Additionally, their kid’s menu options are around $4.99.

TGI Friday’s

Many perks come with eating at TGI Fridays, from their relaxed atmosphere to their weekly deals.

Fabulous Fridays allows customers to buy a specific menu item and get a different one by purchasing two drinks. TGI Friday’s also has a Kids Eat Free Kids Star Menu. This menu gives one free kids meal with the purchase of one adult main.  

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut gives customers plenty of choices if they are in the mood for pizza. You could try the $7 Deal Lover’s. This includes two or more options, from pizza to dessert, for only $7. Additionally, they have $6.99 Pizza Hut melts or the Big Dinner Box.

Domino’s

Another cheap pizza option for families is Domino’s. Like Pizza Hut, they have a choice of two or more select menu options starting at $6.99 each. Also, customers can choose a carryout deal of one topping pizza for $7.99 each. These savings help families eat out when they may be jam-packed with other commitments. Who has time to cook on these nights?

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is a down-home restaurant that makes customers feel cozy and comfortable as they gather with their loved ones. You can do it more often with their cheaper meal options.

If you are looking for a meal under $12, Cracker Barrel offers customers over 20 of them. These meals include Grandma’s Sampler and the Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Chicken. Additionally, all the kid’s menu options are under $7.

Golden Corral

If you are a fan of buffets, Golden Corral is a great place to get value options. Adults can get the dinner buffet for $16.99 throughout the week, while kids can get it for $8.99. Any child under three eats any meal any day free. The options change depending on the day of the week and what meal; if you are curious, look at the rest of the 2025 buffet prices for Golden Corral.

Popeyes Chicken

In the mood for chicken? Popeyes Chicken is offering Popeyes Big Box Value Meal for a limited time. Customers receive two chicken pieces, a side, a drink, and a biscuit for only $6.99 in this box.

Popeyes Chicken

Furthermore, many of the popular menu items at Popeyes are under $6. This includes their spicy chicken sandwich for $3.99 and red beans and rice for $2.69. They also have many other great deals, like their butterfly shrimp tackle box for $5.00 and their six-piece nuggets for $3.99. With these deals and values, it would be easy to find something to feed your family that doesn’t cost a fortune.

One Last Note

Feeding a family while dining out doesn’t have to feel like you are paying a small car loan. These 12 cheap food chains make the family’s eating out experience more affordable and enjoyable.

Real Advice From Real Employees

Don’t believe that McDonald’s is the perfect first job for a high-schooler? If you need more reassurance, get it from the folks who actually worked at McDonalds as their first job. Throughout this list, we will add stories from actual people who recommend going to the place with the golden arches as a debut to the working world.

The Hours are Flexible

One of the reasons why McDonald’s is the perfect first job is because the hours are flexible. That’s what a former employee said. Flexibility is good for a first job, especially for teens who have a lot to deal with at school. They’ll get work experience while learning so they’re prepared for adulthood.

McDonald’s Wants to be Your First Job

If you want reassurance that McDonald’s is a great first job, then just ask the company. According to them, they are “committed to being America’s best first job.” They want to create an environment where teens can learn and build skills that they can use later in life. They even have an “Archways to Opportunity” program that helps teens now and in the future.

McDonald’s Offers Pay In Multiple Ways

The pay at McDonald’s won’t make your teen rich, but it’s enough for some spending and saving money. In addition to the hourly pay, the company will also provide compensation via long and short-term incentives, 401k plans, and other great benefits that will set your teen up for the future.

Time Off Programs

Like many companies, McDonald’s also offers paid time off. They don’t want to overwork teens. Paid days are providedover the course of the year and teens can take them at almost any time. This is important if your child has a school field trip or other commitments.

Employee Rewards

The company also provides rewards for exceptional employees. When your teen meets certain requirements or thresholds at McDonald’s, they can get a certificate or gift. This is a great way to teach your teen that if they work hard, there is always a reward at the end of the road.

Tuition Assistance

If your teen is planning to go to college after high school, then McDonald’s is the place to be. They have a great tuition assistance program where teens can earn money for higher education. Plus, there could be the chance for your young adult to go to school while working so they can earn money for books and admissions.

You’ll Learn Many Soft Skills

According to Quora user Paige Shiffler, McDonald’s is the perfect first job because you can learn many skills that aren’t taught in school. She says that after working at McDonald’s for four months, she has developed many skills, including how to communicate with others, multi-task, and be more productive.

Learn How to Be a Team Player

One of the most important soft skills you’ll learn as a teen at McDonald’s is how to be a team player. This is an invaluable skill that will help your teen in any job they get in the future. A person needs to know how to work with others, and they’ll get the chance at McDonalds.

The Work is Physical

Another Quora user named George Geal-Killy says that the work at McDonald’s is very physical. There will be a lot of moving around from station to station. Plus, there will be some lifting and moving of objects. This is great, especially if your teen has a more sedentary lifestyle at home. Physical activity is good for the body and for mental well being.

The Work Isn’t Too Hard

According to Quora user Carrie, while teens will be busy at McDonald’s, the work is not so hard that they’ll be exasperated at the end of the day. They will receive training and advice as they go so that they can get the hang of the work. 

You Learn How to Deal With People

McDonald’s is a great job, especially if your teen will be taking orders or working the drive-thru window. It’s a chance to meet new people and experience different types of customers. Some customers will be easy while others will be more challenging. It’s a great chance to create your own customer service style.

You Can Get Real-Life Feedback

McDonald’s is the perfect first job because your teen will learn how to be the best employee they can be. Encourage your teen to ask their manager for feedback about the work they’re doing. Then, implement that feedback during the next shift. Teens can learn about being a good employee all day long, but nothing matches real-life feedback.

There Could Be Room For Advancement

Many people take a job at McDonald’s as an entry-level job. Some will work there for a few months or years and then move on. However, there’s also the chance that your teen could make McDonald’s into a career. Eager employees could become a manager and move up from there.

Learn to Retain Information

If you’re taking orders at McDonald’s, you may be required to remember a lot of information at once. You need to get the order right so you can impress the customer and your management. By learning to memorize information, your teen will excel in school and future jobs.

The Ability to Troubleshoot

Erik, a manager at McDonald’s since 2008 commented on Quora. He said that a lot of the job will entail handling customer’s problems. That’s not always a bad thing. Problems present an opportunity to troubleshoot. The ability to troubleshoot is a skill that not all people have, so it could be a good skill to have in the future.

Your Teen Could Make Connections

By getting a job at McDonald’s, your teen could learn quickly about the value of connections. They never know if the person they’re standing next to at the fry station could be a future hiring-manager at a company they want to work at later in life.

Learn About Being Punctual

By getting a job at McDonald’s, your teen will also learn the importance of punctuality and getting to places on time. If they’re late too often, they’ll likely get in trouble. This is a good lesson to learn before moving on to other jobs.

They’ll Have Something for Their Resume

When your teen works at McDonald’s, they’ll get something more valuable than straight A’s. They’ll get something to put on their resume as job experience. Many adults don’t have anything on their resume, but your teen will. It can go a long way when they start looking for other jobs.

You’ll Learn to Follow Procedures

The final reason why McDonald’s is the perfect first job is that your teen will learn how to follow a procedure at work. As Jessica Ann Murray on Quora says, you’ll need to “directly follow correct procedures.” Everything will need to be done in a certain way, and it will teach your teen how to follow directions. This is important for life at home and at work.

Pizza Hut

Although I love Hunt Brother’s Pizza and I eat there often, Pizza Hut has really kicked up their game over the last several years. The brand is widely considered to be better than Hunt Brother’s because the Hut has a larger variety. They have many of the same pizzas, but Pizza Hut also has a large selection of wings, pasta, and sides. It’s also the more well-known brand due to its extensive advertising.

What Customers Love About Pizza Hut

Customers have a lot to say about Pizza Hut, especially when compared to Hunt’s Pizza. When you read reviews about Pizza Hut, you see things on Yelp like, “I will definitely be ordering just wings next time because they were yummy!” and that the “pizza is on point each and every time.
Customer service is also 5 stars.” Clearly, the customers like what they eat.

California Pizza Kitchen

While many pizza chains may seem similar, California Pizza Kitchen it truly unique. The brand separates itself from places like Hunt’s Pizza by having a variety of unique ingredients, including goat cheese, artichokes, and more. My family loves to try something different each time. In addition, the environment and ambiance in each restaurant is above par. This restaurant screams California and people like that.

What Customers Love About California Pizza

Reviews for California Pizza Kitchen include phrases like, “the service is great, even for take away” and that it’s “very delicious.” Another customer said he went there with his wife. They were seated quickly, the waitress was nice, and the food was delicious. He said, “If l could give them more stars, l would, but 5 is the max.”

MOD Pizza

One pizza place that really sets itself apart from Hunt Brother’s Pizza is Mod Pizza. This is the place where you can go in and build your own pie from the ground up. You can choose the crust, cheese, size, toppings, and more. While Hunt Brothers has some customization options, it’s nothing like Mod. In addition, MOD also has incredible flavors, and the staff is top-notch, so you’ll be very satisfied.

What Customers Love About MOD Pizza

You’re generally always going to see positive reviews for MOD. Comments include things like how it’s “one of the best fire brick oven pizzas you can get in a restaurant for the best price.” Other comments mention the tasty ingredients, including the veggies. There are also rave reviews about some of the side dishes, including the cheesy garlic bread.

Round Table Pizza

If you’re lucky enough to have a Round Table Pizza in your area, then you likely know how tasty this place can be. The restaurant was founded on the idea of a family sitting around a table eating a communal meal, and you get the same greatvibe today. People often rate this place as a bit better than Domino’s and Hunt Brothers. The great thing about Round Table Pizza is that they often reveal new specialty pizzas, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

What Customers Love About Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza is primarily a California pizza place, and the locals there often choose between going here and California Pizza Kitchen. Customer reviews for Round Table are typically great. As one reviewer put it, “It was all worth it and we really enjoyed scarfing this feast down!” Another reviewer said “Amazing pizza, service, and prices.” I agree. That’s why my family and I often go here for pizza nights.

CiCi’s Pizza

CiCi’s Pizza is becoming one of the most popular pizza buffets on the planet, which is why, even if you love Hunt Brother’s Pizza, you may find yourself making a change. The buffet is really what sets this place apart. You can get a plate and eat exactly what you want in the portion sizes you desire. When people want a different type of dining environment, they often choose CiCi’s.

What Customers Love About CiCi’s Pizza

Many customers rave about their experiences at CiCi’s Pizza. Customer reviews often reference the buffet variety, the friendly staff, and the great prices. One reviewer said, “Go there, it’s verrrry worth it.” Another customer said, “The food here is ALWAYS fresh!” It’s hard to argue with that. Come to CiCi’s and see for yourself. 

Sbarro

Another pizza place that provides a different type of atmosphere is Sbarro. It’s the pizza place that you see in the mall and the airport, and that’s what makes it so unique, especially when compared to Hunt Brother’s. You can get Sbarro on the go and it’s always delicious. The restaurant also has a good variety of choices for a small place, and that just adds to its charm.

What Customers Love About Sbarro

You’re going to have to look far and wide to find someone who doesn’t like Sbarro. If you need proof, just look at the customer reviews. Here’s one review that covers it all: “The staff was very friendly, the service was great, and most importantly the pizza tasted very fresh.” Another review: “It is quick and delicious.” Enough said?

Hungry Howie’s

If you love Hunt Brother’s Pizza but you’re looking for something new, consider Hungry Howie’s. The big perk about Howie’s that you won’t find at Hunt’s or many other pizza places is their variety of flavored crusts. They have various flavors, and they add a lot to the flavor profile of the pizza. This is also an affordable option that you won’t regret. Best of all, the brand is expanding across the country, so you’re likely to have a restaurant near you soon.

What Customers Love About Hungry Howie’s

Customers who love Hunt Brother’s Pizza also really enjoy Hungry Howie’s. This is one Yelp review that basically sums it all up: “The pizza, the sauce, the cheese, the crust … what is there not to love.” Another quote says “Wow!! Best pizza I’ve had in years.” It’s hard to argue with that.

Papa John’s

Many people who love Hunt Brother’s Pizza also switch between them and Papa John’s. Many folks stick with Papa John’s due to the nostalgia factor. They’ve been eating it for years, so it’s their go-to. Papa John’s is famous for its fresh ingredients, which many perceive to be better quality pizza.

What Customers Love About Papa John’s

To learn why people like Papa John’s so much, you just need to look at the customer feedback. One comment on Yelp says, “Delivered on time. Great tasting. I’m so relieved I found a place I can trust.” That’s pretty great. Another commenter said, “Papa Johns is good pizza.” That says all you need to know.

Are Chores Important?

Introducing chores to your kids while they are young is very important. Chores teach children a host of important skills; here are several that they will need as they grow into adulthood:

• Accepting responsibility
• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Promotes higher self-esteem
• Teaches delayed gratification

Focus on Age Appropriate Chores

One of the areas that parents get hung up on is introducing age-appropriate chores. You don’t want to burden a young child with too many chores they can’t necessarily do yet. However, making the chore list too easy on older kids isn’t very beneficial either.

The AACAP gives examples of age-appropriate chores. For 4 to 5-year-olds, they suggest having your child help feed pets and make their beds. Children between 10 and 11 should be able to help clean bathrooms and do yard work. You can read the rest of the age suggestions here.

Change Your Wording

The word chores can be offputting to some people. Think of Cinderella having to scrub the floors for her evil stepmother. You can change your family’s attitude around chores by changing the wording. This one simple change to your routine can make a big difference.

Instead of calling them chores, change your wording to responsibilities. I use the phrase, we all live in this home, so we all have responsibilities to take care of it. This helps put chores into perspective for kids and even adults.

Be Consistent

If you aren’t consistent with what you are asking your kids, they will most likely never get on board. Setting up a chore chart but not enforcing a time when your children should do it is not helping anyone. Remember, consistency is key when introducing anything new into your routine.

Set Clear Expectations

From the get-go, you need to set clear expectations. What do you expect your children to do? Will there be a chore chart, reward chart, etc? Do you expect your child to do these chores every day, every other day, weekly? When your children know the clear plan, they are less likely to put off doing chores.

Have a Family Meeting/Collaborate on Chores

Instead of assigning your children their chores, have a family meeting. This is a good way to collaborate on shared responsibilities and invest your children in doing their chores.

Sit down together as a family and list responsibilities that must be done daily and weekly. Then, split them into age-appropriate categories. Ask your children if they have any preferences for what responsibilities they would want to take over. The more collaboration that goes on when deciding where to split the chores, the more your child will likely be on board.

Avoid Doing the Chore for Your Child

When a child is doing a chore, it doesn’t always get done to perfection. This is something that may drive a parent batty. However, it’s important to remember that practice makes progress. The more a child does a specific chore, the more they will increase their skills.

However, if you are constantly stepping in and doing this chore for them or fixing how they do it, you send mixed messages to your child. You are telling your child, ‘I want you to do this chore, but only this way, and if you don’t do it the right way, then I’ll come behind you and fix it.” This can deflate your child’s enthusiasm and zeal.

Start Small

When introducing chores to your child, be sure to start small. You don’t want to bombard your child with overwhelming tasks right away. Start by introducing one specific task they can do for a few weeks to get used to the new routine. Then, once they have tackled this task, add another one. Keep doing this until you have added enough age-appropriate chores for your child. But remember, don’t overload them either!

Take the Time to Teach Your Child

One of the biggest hang-ups when introducing chores to a child is not teaching them the right way to do something. Sometimes, it’s easy to assume our children know how to do something correctly. After all, didn’t they see us do it over and over? However, this isn’t always the case.

Before introducing your child to a new chore, take the time to teach them how to do it. Worry less about doing it perfectly and more with creating the skills to perform the task. You may have to do the chore with your child several times before they catch on. This is especially true with younger kids.

Use a Reward System or Calendar

Another way to get kids excited about chores is using a reward system. There are many ways of doing this. Some families use stickers; others use calendars or points. If you are looking for some ideas, take a look here.

Switch up the Timing

Trying to do chores when your child is tired from a long day can lead to frustration for both of you. Instead, split the tasks into manageable bite sizes. Determine when your child is the most refreshed and have them do most of their chores during this time. You could save one or two chores for after dinner but try not to make it too overwhelming by having them complete all their chores in one big chunk.

Set a Minimum Standard

Things happen, and sometimes life gets in the way. It’s unrealistic to think your child will be able to complete their chores every day without fail. However, you can set a minimum standard, so your children know what to expect. Such as making their beds every day. (This is a quick chore that doesn’t take much time.) However. for bigger chores, like doing the dishes, you can set the expectation that they can get that chore done at least 3-5 times a week. (Decide what works for your family.)

Give Positive Feedback

Everyone thrives on positive feedback. So, when you see your child making an effort with their chores, let them know you see their effort. This boosts their self-confidence and desire to do their best at their tasks.

One Last Note

It’s normal to have a love-hate relationship with chores. They are necessary for a family to create smooth days and transitions. However, the chores often fall on the parents’ shoulders. While this makes sense, having your child contributes to the family responsibilities is good for everyone. After all, they live in their home too. If you are looking for ways to introduce chores to your children, try adding one or more changes to your family routine. You may find it is exactly what you need as a family.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

One of the first Trader Joe’s Meals that you can prepare for your family is a delicious mandarin orange chicken meal. As of this writing, the actual chicken is close to $5 per bag. After that, you can add rice and stir fry vegetables, and you’ll have a full meal for under $20. You can likely also add a beverage and still stay below your budget threshold.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Head to Trader Joe’s and get a bag of cauliflower gnocchi when you’re looking for something new for dinner. You can get a bag for under $5. You can add the gnocchi to soups or pasta along with other inexpensive ingredients. Plus, the gnocchi you get at Trader Joe’s is 75% cauliflower, so it’s an affordable and healthy meal.

Chicken Soup Meal

You can make many different soups for less when you shop at Trader Joe’s. One of the best meals involves the company’s trademark steamed chicken soup dumplings. You can get them for around $5. You can add the dumplings to a soup or justpop them in the microwave and enjoy them as they are. Either way, your family won’t regret it.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Trader Joe’s has many boxed meals that are above and beyond what you’ll find at retailers like Walmart. Case in point,head to the freezer section and check out the amazing chicken tikka masala. You’ll often find it for around $5. Cook up this chicken and you’ll find that it’s incredibly tender and creamy, especially with the basmati rice. If you want to add a little more to the meal, get some pitas to dip in.

Eggs for Breakfast

These days, it’s hard to find eggs for a good price. However, Trader Joe’s still has a pretty good price for a dozen cage-free white eggs. You can get them for a fraction of the cost of the other places. Then, you can get some sausage or pancakes and stay well below your $20 total. You can make breakfast for the whole family for that.

Cascatelli Pasta Meal

Head to Trader Joe’s, and you can still get a whole 16-ounce bag of organic cavatelli pasta for under $5. Serve this on a plate, and you’ll be amazed at the unique texture that you’ll get with each fulfilling bite. The pasta also holds the sauce remarkably well, so you’ll love dinner. Pair this dish with some garlic bread and your family will be ranting and raving.

Shawarma Chicken Thigh Meal

You can make family dinner even easier by heading to Trader Joe’s and laying down close to $7 per pound for fully marinated shawarma chicken thighs. They are always juicy and tender. You won’t even believe it. Many people choose to serve this chicken delicacy with yellow rice, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pitas. If you’re smart, you can get everything for under $20.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan

You can make a very tasty chicken parmesan dish for cheap at Trader Joe’s. All you need is the package of chicken, bruschetta sauce, mozzarella, and Genova pesto. Depending on costs, this one may verge slightly over $20, but it’s worth it. Defrost the chicken first, and then top it off with the mozzarella and bruschetta sauce. Chances are you’ll be coming back for more.

Shrimp Tacos

To make this delicious and affordable dish, start with Trader Joe’s famous uncooked Argentinian red shrimp. You can get it for cheap. Also, purchase tortillas, coleslaw, and pineapple sauce. This is an inexpensive dish that can feed your whole family. The bag of shrimp is good for multiple tacos.

Pork Fried Rice

For this tasty pork fried rice dish, you’ll need eggs, pork belly, vegetable fried rice, and soyaki. If you already have eggs at home then you can surely get this meal for under $20. Cook it all together and you’ll have a full meal for the family. If you don’t love pork belly, then you can substitute any protein and make it a great meal.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Another great soup option is the chicken tortellini soup. It’s affordable and filling for the whole family. To make it, head to Trader Joe’s and pick up chicken tenders, chicken broth, mirepoix, and cheese-filled tortellini. Most of the recipe includes adding the ingredients in a bowl and season it. You can also make this into a vegetarian dish by leaving out the chicken and using chickpeas as the protein.

Hash Brown Eggs Benedict

There are also many affordable meals that you can get for breakfast at Trader Joe’s. You can make a classy hash brown eggs Benedict by purchasing hash browns, smoked salmon, and avocado. If you don’t have eggs at home, you can get those as well, and you should stay below your $20 budget. If you don’t like the eggs, you can substitute potato latkes or waffles instead.

Breakfast Sausage and Potato Egg Hash

There are other ways to get your hash brown fix at Trader Joe’s for less than $20. This one is quite simple. Go to the store and fill your cart with sharp cheddar, breakfast sausage, eggs, and roasted potatoes with peppers and onions. Once again, you can turn this into a vegetarian dish by swapping out the sausage and instead using plant-based sausage.

Korean-Inspired Short Rib Rice Bowls

For something a big more exotic, consider this tasty Korean-inspired dish that will feed your entire family for cheap. You’ll need to be a bit careful to stay within your budget, but you can do it. To do so, load your cart with Korean-style beef short ribs, rice, baby bok chop, and Kimchi. If you like the idea but want to try something different, then substitute shrimp tempura or teriyaki chicken instead. 

Baked Meatball Sandwiches

For something a bit different, consider the baked meatball sandwiches that you can buy and prepare for under $20. For the best results, make them with bread & butter pickle chips, Italian-style cooked meatballs, and Trader Joe’s magnifisauce, and put it all between two brioche buns. Make sure to drizzle the bubs in olive oil for a great taste. If it’s within your taste, then top the meal off with garlic mustard aioli.

Your Young Child Should Stay Away From Screens

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you must be careful when it comes to screen time for kids, especially babies and toddlers. The doctors recommend that children between ages 0-1.5 years never have screen time and that kids age 1.5 to 2 years have less than an hour of screen time. Any more than that, and you could cause damage to their young eyes.

Average Screen Time for Teens

Statistics show that most teens experience about 7.5 hours of screen time every day. Be watchful if your teen is in front of screens for too long. As time goes on, more schools are allowing kids to use laptops in school, so keep that in mind. When they get back from school, instead of letting them sit in front of the TV to play video games, try to get them to go outside or try a different hobby.

Be A Good Role Model

According to research, the average American spends just over seven hours looking at a screen over the course of the day. Granted, that may include time looking at a computer while at work. With that said, be careful about what you do at home. If you get home from work and sit in front of the TV, your kids will likely do the same. If you want them to spend less time in front of the TV, do something different with them, and they’ll form good habits.

Is Your Infant Using Your Smartphone?

One of the most startling facts about screen time for kids is that almost 49% of very small children from ages 0-2 spend some time interacting with smart phones. That could include when you’re holding your phone while holding them. Or it could be time in front of the TV. Just be careful. Young eyes could get hurt due to too much screen time.

The Average Teen Plays A Lot of Games

Another startling statistic about screen time is that the average teen spends 112.8 daily minutes playing video games. While some video games can be educational and have other benefits, they’re not all helpful. Be mindful about how much time your teen is on a screen playing a game, and suggest other activities if it gets out of hand.

The Average Teen is Often on Social Media

While gaming is a problem, a bigger issue is social media. According to Statista, the average teen spends 4.8 hours on social media. Keep in mind that platforms like YouTube are also considered social media, but still, that’s a lot. It’s important that you watch your teens. Are they in their room for hours at a time? They could be on social media. While there are some educational benefits to social media, most of its is not beneficial, so be cautious.

Shocking Benefit: Improves Socialization

Believe it or not, there are some benefits to screen time. For instance, just because a child is staring at a screen, it doesn’t mean that they are necessarily sitting by themselves. There are many ways that your kids can go online and meet with other kids. They can play video games with others, become pen pals with other kids on social media (with parental supervision), and even video chat with family members. Just remember that caution is necessary when talking to strangers.

Shocking Benefit: Encourages Creativity

You may be shocked to learn that screen time can help with creativity as well. It makes sense the more you think about it. Older kids can use their creativity to create websites using apps like Canva. If your kids like playing video games, they likely get immersed in creating worlds in games like Minecraft and Railway Empire. You never know. The skills they learn now could turn into a career later in life.

Shocking Benefit: Enhances Critical Thinking

Screen time also has the ability to enhance critical thinking. According to experts at Common Sense Media, there’s a lot of educational content online. Kids could play puzzle games or online board games that challenge their minds. However, screen time should come in doses. It’s possible to have too much screen time, even if it’s educational.

Shocking Benefit: Develops Motor Skills

Another shocking benefit of screen time for kids is the chance to develop their motor skills. For starters, your kids could watch exercise videos on YouTube that could help them stay active and healthy. Many video game companies also have some equipment that requires the kids to move to play them, like the Wii and virtual reality systems. You’d be amazed at how much your kids get around while playing games.

Shocking Benefit: Gets Kids Ready for School

Everything is online these days, so it only makes sense that many educational resources would also require a screen. In addition to being fun, many of these activities could also prepare your kids for school. For instance, the kids can check out e-books about various subjects that they may learn later during the school year. There are also learning apps like ABC Mouse and Khan Academy Kids, which can do wonders for your kids.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Sleep Issues

There are many starting negative side effects when screen time for kids gets out of hand. One of them is that they may not sleep well at night. Most screens emit blue light, and it negatively affects the brain. Kids and adults who spend too much time in front of a screen may find that they wake up often overnight. You should also avoid looking at social media while in bed.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Tech Neck

It’s natural for kids and adults to bend over or sit with a poor posture when gaming. As a result, your kids may start to experience “tech neck,” which is when someone sits with their neck and shoulders bent. Over time, your child may start to experience pain and potentially even long-term damage.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Cognitive Decline

While there are some opportunities for cognitive improvement due to smart screen use, in many cases, spending too much time on a screen is more commonly associated with cognitive decline, especially when it comes to smartphone usage. In a recent study, many participants reported on their cell phone usage, and they were tested. The results weren’t great. You can allow your child to have friends online, but be cautious about those friends and how much time your kids spend with them.

Alarming Risk of Screen Time: Behavior Issues

Be watchful if your children spend a lot of time playing video games. They likely love them because winning levels and beating bad guys cause the brain to release dopamine. It feels good, and they like it. However, once they’re playing, the dopamine release stops, and as a result, your children can become more irritable and even depressed.

What is Wegmans?

Some people see that Wegmans is expanding, and they ask themselves, what is Wegmans? If you don’t know, you’re in for a treat. In general, Wegmans is a grocery store. However, they’re more than your typical supermarket. The company has a wide range of grocery products and food options that have customers coming back time after time. Each Wegmans sells meat, dairy, seafood, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, produce and floral, and more.

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Gold Pan Entrees

There are several factors that set Wegmans apart from every other grocery store in the world. One of them is their Gold Pan Entrees. These are meals that you can pick out and have ready for lunch, dinner, or whenever you want them. You pick and choose items around the store, then put them on a plate, and you have a meal without the fuss. Gold Pan Entrees can include seafood, no-gluten options, meals that are under 600 calories, and more.

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Healthy Options

Wegmans supermarkets are also famous for their assortment of healthy options. For starters, they have a major selection of gluten-free options. They have really tasty stuff, including gluten-free chocolate brownie mix, vegetables, whipped potatoes, and many gluten-free desserts. Wegmans also has a huge selection of active & sports nutrition products, which include healthy energy drinks, hydration products, plant-based protein products, marine collagen, and more. 

What Sets Wegmans Apart: Bread and Desserts

After dinner, head to Wegmans for a tasty dessert. Whatever you like, they have it. There’s a huge selection of cookies, cakes, cannolis, mixed fruit tarts, cream puffs, cheesecakes, and more. You can even order a custom cake that is decoratedto your specifications. Wegmans also has a great selection of artisan bread and rolls. These are very high-quality rolls thatlook like what you get in a fancy restaurant. You can get loaves, baguettes, cheese bread, Irish soda bread, and much more.

New Wegmans Location: New York

If this supermarket sounds great, then you may be in luck. Over time, the chain has announced that Wegmans is expanding. One of the newest stores that just opened its doors is located in New York. The address is 3270 Middle Country Rd. Lake Grove, NY 11755. This new location is open for business and they have the same great services that the chain is famous for. Currently, there are over 50 Wegmans locations in New York, so chances are good that locals will likely have a store nearby, but just in case, they have this new one in Lake Grove.

New Wegmans Location: Norwalk, Connecticut

The Wegmans company has announced that a new location will open in Norwalk, Connecticut, in the near future. You’ll be able to find it off Connecticut Avenue near Route I-95. There’s no official date for the opening of this store, but it promises to offer everything that the chain is known for. Check on the Wegmans website for updates.

New Wegmans Location: Rockville, Maryland

At this point, Wegmans stores are already in Maryland. Currently, there are eight locations spread across the state. Maryland residents who live in Rockville will likely rejoice very soon when a new Wegmans comes to their area. The location will be in Montgomery County at the intersection of Halpine Road and Rockville Pike. This is supposed to be a big store with all the perks and treats that this brand is known for already.

New Wegmans Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Folks in the city of Charlotte have something exciting to look forward to in the near future. It’s a new Wegmans store, and it’s coming to Mecklenburg County. The store will be located on the east side of Ballantyne at North Community House Road. When the store opens, it will have all the great groceries desserts, meals, and everything else customers enjoy. The store will also be looking to hire associates, so stay tuned if you’re interested.

New Wegmans Location: Holly Springs, North Carolina

There’s another Wegmans location coming to North Carolina, and this one will be in the town of Holly Springs. When it opens, you’ll be able to find it at Ralph Stephens Road and North Carolina Highway 55. This will be a large store with all of the items that make Wegmans a one-stop shop. Currently, there are stores in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, West Cary, and Wake Forest. More stores are likely to come to North Carolina, so stay tuned.

Current Wegmans in Pennsylvania

If Wegmans sounds awesome to you, then you may be in luck. The supermarket chain is already in several states, including Pennsylvania. There are close to 20 different stores in the state, including in the towns of Allentown, Scranton, Yardley, and Bethlehem. Try one if you’re in the area.

Current Wegmans in D.C.

There is also currently a Wegmans store in Washington, D.C. It is located at 41 Ridge Sq. Nw, Washington, DC 20016. That means even local politicians can get their food fix at any time. There’s no news yet about future stores in the area.

Current Wegmans in Massachusetts

There is no news as to when Wegmans is expanding in Massachusetts, but the good news is that there are numerous stores already in the area. Currently, there are five stores in the state. They’re located in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, Northborough, and Westwood. Check them out if you get the chance.

Current Wegmans in Delaware

There is currently one solitary Wegmans store in Delaware. It’s located at 371 Buckley Mill Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807. It’s a nice brick-and-mortar establishment that has all of your grocery needs. Hopefully, more stores will show up in the state in the future.

Current Wegmans in New Jersey

Wegmans has opened several stores in New Jersey over the years. Currently, there are nine stores in the state, located from Bridgewater to Woodbridge. The people of New Jersey count on Wegmans for their weekly groceries, so it’s great that the company could fill the need.

Current Wegmans in Virginia

Wegmans stores are thriving in Virginia. At this time, there are 15 stores in the state, and there will likely be more in the future. The stores can be found in many large cities, including Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Fairfax, among others.

Find Out About Where Wegmans is Expanding Next

If you’re interested in learning where Wegmans is expanding next, you’re in luck. The company has a webpage dedicated to new and future openings. Check there periodically to see where the company will be building soon. Who knows, a new store may be near you!

Factor 1: Whole Foods Is Ridiculously Expensive

The first reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because many of the items in the store are simply too expensive. Things might change in the future, but for now, we’re still facing high prices at stores around the country, so it’s simply not worth going somewhere that will put us in debt. They don’t mockingly call this store “Whole Paycheck” for no reason. You could go in there for your weekly groceries and spend twice as much as you would at Walmart or other similar stores.

A Sampling of the High Prices

You may think that we’re kidding, but this chain really has some of the craziest prices. For instance, you may go in for a six-inch decorated cake. We don’t blame you. It’s probably delicious, but many of them cost upwards of $25. They have olive oil that you can buy for $40. The chain does sell some tasty food, like a rack of lamb. However, it will cost you at least $23 per pound. Certain types of maple syrup will cost over $15. Don’t forget about the chanterelle mushrooms that are over $20 per pound. These are just a few examples, but you can see what we mean.

Factor 2: The Brand Has Had Many Controversies

Many people will claim that Whole Foods is one of the best supermarkets ever created, but the company has had a fair share of controversies over the years. Many of the controversies involve overpriced items, like in 2015, when the store tried to sell $6 asparagus water that was basically just a couple of pieces of asparagus in a water bottle. Then, in 2014, they sold yogurt that they claimed was super healthy. However, after a class action lawsuit, it was revealed that it had more sugar than was originally reported.

Other Whole Foods Controversies

There have been other controversies that have made me stop going to Whole Foods. Back in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration found that the drinking water sold at the store had higher levels of arsenic than was allowed. Arsenic is a toxin. As a result, much of the water was recalled, so customers didn’t buy and drink the dangerous water. Finally, in 2014, the chain was accused of trying to use rabbit meat in many of their products. The animal rights folks went at them, and the program was paused. This is a lot of bad news for a single grocery store chain.

Factor 3: The Employees Could Be Treated Better

It’s an unfortunate fact that employees are not always treated as well as they should be at most grocery store chains, but Whole Foods has been in hot water in this regard for a long time. Much of the more recent turmoil has occurred after Amazon.com took control of Whole Foods several years ago. Many of the employees tried to unionize, but the company was opposed to it. Since then, employees have had more success trying to unionize. That’s good, but this issue is only one of the ways that employees feel mistreated at Whole Foods.

Whole Foods Employees Feel Shortchanged

I know that companies can do what they want with their employees, but many of the things that have happened at Whole Foods after Amazon took over are a bit questionable. They started by taking medical benefits from part-time employees. The company also reduced the typical paid 15-minute breaks down to 10 minutes. Many customer service and warehouse workers also used to have stock incentives, but those were taken away as well. These are not reasons to completelyboycott the company, but they don’t help customers feel good when they go into a store.

Factor 4: You Can Shop Elsewhere For Similar Items

Many people used to flock to Whole Foods because they thought it was the only place to get organic or healthy food. For many years, that was the case. People were willing to spend more money just to get something different. That is no longer the case. Whole Foods is no longer the only game in town. Now, you can get your organic food at many other mainstream grocery chains, so Whole Foods is losing business.

Where to Get Organic Food

I decided to stop going to Whole Foods and get my organic food elsewhere. The more I researched, the more places I found. For starters, Sprouts Farmers Market is a great place to buy healthy food, and they have reasonable prices. There is also Trader Joe’s, where you can find a huge variety of options, including food exclusives that you won’t find anywhere else. Even stores like Kroger and Aldi have options, and you’ll probably spend less money along the way. If you’re really on a budget, head to Costco instead of Whole Foods.

Factor 5: They Don’t Sell as Much as Other Stores

In addition to there being other stores where you can get organic food, the other reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because they simply don’t have as many items as many other places. Yes, Whole Foods has plenty of healthy and organic options, but you can’t really do all of your weekly shopping there. That means that you typically need to make multiple trips, and that’s not always fun. Plus, it’s expensive.

Whole Foods Has Less

There are many items that you won’t find at Whole Foods. Part of the reason for that is because, in an effort to stay healthy, many ingredients are banned. The banned items include things like artificial colorings, aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup, and others. Yes, it’s good to limit these items in your diet, but if you have kids like me, then you’ll find that they don’t always want to eat organic food, so you find that you need to shop at a second store. It’s not always worth it.

Factor 6: Whole Foods May Not Be Around Forever

A final reason why I decided to stop going to Whole Foods is because, sooner than later, the chain may be completely wiped from the map. In 2022, the chain started closing stores, including one in Chicago, reportedly due to weak sales. Stores appear to be disappearing in regions around the country. When the one near me closes, I will be forced to look elsewhere for my needs.

Things Changed When Amazon Took Over

Some of the factors behind the fall of Whole Foods revolve around the fact that Amazon took over the company several years ago. Some people believe that Amazon is too commercial and that it takes the community-centric charm out of the equation. Only time will tell if Whole Foods will retain its popularity or if, one day, the supermarket chain may be gone.

Making Your Child Clean Their Plate

Several Redditors in this post shared the parenting rules they refuse to enforce on their kids. One of the most common ones was forcing children to clear their plates. This is typically done by refusing to allow a child to get up from the table until they finish their entire plate. It makes sense to some parents because they don’t want to waste food. After all, food prices can add up.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Studies have shown that forcing kids to eat their entire plate is the opposite of beneficial. This can teach them to ignore their body signals that lets them know when they are full. It can also promote an unhealthy relationship with food as they grow.

Instead, one tip while preparing a meal is to add healthy food items to the plate you know your child will eat. This way, they are at least getting some nutrients from food you know they like. Additionally, giving your child fewer portions can help them get the nutrients they need but not feel forced to eat more than their body wants.

Forcing Kids to Hug/Kiss Relatives

To some, making their kids show affection to others is a good idea. After all, they want their children to be respectful. Other times, some adults simply don’t want their family or friends to feel offended. However, teaching a child to ignore physical autonomy and their decision-making isn’t good for anyone. All it is doing is stroking another person’s ego.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Making a child hug another person, especially an adult, just because they asked isn’t beneficial. It teaches them that they should always do what another adult or person asks, just to be respectful. Additionally, this practice teaches children to ignore the inner cues that tell them something is wrong. Not every person is a safe person. Simply because a person is an adult doesn’t mean your child has to automatically respect them and give up their own autonomy to make them happy.

Additionally, it may teach children that what they feel doesn’t really matter and they should ignore their own comfort level for someone else.

Making Sure Your Child Matches at All Times

Sometimes, parents feel the pressure to make sure their child matches and looks tidy at all times. This is especially true when they venture out into public. However, sometimes children have very eccentric styles, and you have to choose which hill you are willing to die on. Sometimes, there are bigger hills that are more important.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Worrying about your child matching all the time is a battle that can put immense stress on parents, especially if you have a child who has a very unique style. Sometimes, kids just like what they like. Furthermore, how we dress can outwardly express our personality, likes, and more. Children love to be free enough to explore what they love and don’t love, even if it’s not what their parents like.

Because I Said So

A shared parenting saying is ‘because I said so.’ This is often used to get children to comply and accept the rules or consequences as is. It is also used as a cop-out not to explain anything to children.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children are naturally curious. Additionally, while respect is important during communication, children should be allowed to ask questions. Questioning rules, boundaries, or why things are the way they are isn’t always bad. It can encourage children to go beyond what they are told, understand, and research things for themselves.

Never Apologizing to Your Kids When You Are Wrong

Sometimes, it’s easy to have the mindset that ‘I am the parent, I don’t need to apologize.” However, this mindset actually can do more harm than good.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children need to see the adults in their lives own up to their mistakes. It teaches them that you can make mistakes at any age. It also allows children to see what it is to be humble.

Additionally, when you don’t own up to your mistakes, especially if you have hurt your child, that can do plenty of damage to your parent/child relationship.

Making Your Kids Share Their Things

“Sharing is caring,’ do you remember that saying? But when was the last time you, as an adult, shared something important to you, like a laptop, with someone? Just because they wanted it. Telling our children to share their things just because another child wants them doesn’t benefit either child in any way.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Children who want to share their things should be encouraged to. However, if a child has a toy that is important to them or even new, forcing them to share doesn’t teach them anything.

Forcing a child to share may give a foothold to building resentment. Furthermore, it takes away their ownership. Additionally, forced sharing teaches the other child that they should get something simply because they want it.

Not Considering Age-Appropriate Behavior

Sometimes, it can feel like society is demanding way too much from us as parents. This pressures us to expect more from our children than they can give us. Every child grows at their own pace. It’s also important to consider what is age-appropriate behavior. For example, a two-year-old will be unable to sit still for long periods physically. It’s unreasonable to expect anything of the sort.

Why It’s Not Beneficial

Ignoring age-appropriate behavior and expecting too much from children is not beneficial. Doing so can cause frustration for both parents and the child. Furthermore, ignoring age-appropriate milestones and what is normal behavior may set your child up for failure.

One Last Note

Society can put a ton of pressure on parents. This is one reason all these parenting ‘rules’ stick around for much longer than they should. While this list could be a lot longer, the rules on this list do not serve parents or children much good, so if you would rather forget about them, go for it. After all, they aren’t all that beneficial to families.

Before School: Clementines

Our list of the foods that are best for kids before school starts with fresh fruit and a clementine is one of the best. According to doctors at UC San Francisco, these little fruits are great because they’re tasty, easy to peel, and they’llprovide a nice dose of vitamin C and fiber that will set your child up for success at school.

After School: Assorted Nuts

As for the foods that are best for kids after school, begin with a bowl of nuts. Your kids will likely come home from school while claiming that they’re starving. Instead of giving them candy or a bag of chips, go for nuts. Many varieties, including almonds, are very tasty and filling while providing your kids with a good dose of fiber and healthy fats.

Before School: Hard Boiled Eggs

You’ll do your kids a great service by providing them with eggs before breakfast. Eggs are packed with nutrients, including protein, vitamins B12, D, and more. They’ll keep your kids full and energized. If you’re rushed in the morning, consider giving your kids hard-boiled eggs. They can take them on the way to school and eat at their leisure.

After School: Fruit

Fruit is good in moderation, but there’s nothing wrong with providing some before and after school. When they get backfrom school, give them a whole piece of fruit, like a nectarine or peach, that is tasty without the extra sugar.

Before School: Sausage

You don’t want to fill your child up with sausage, but a small helping could be good for them. You’re giving your child protein, which is necessary for energy and strength throughout the day. Protein will also help grow and strengthen muscles, which is important for growing kids. 

After School: Cheese

When your kids come into the house begging for food, consider a helping of cheese. According to Cheese.com, several varieties are healthy for kids, including mozzarella, which is typically made with low-fat milk. Swiss cheese is also great because it’s higher in protein. 

Before School: Apples and Peanut Butter

Apples are healthy, and they’re a great source of fiber and vitamin C, which is essential for growing kids. Peanut butter is another great source of protein, so it’s a power-packed morning snack that will keep your kids full until lunch.

After School: Cottage Cheese

One of the snacks that is best for kids is cottage cheese. It is loaded with protein and lower in calories than many other types of cheese. You can add more flavor to cottage cheese with the addition of granola, maple syrup, or fresh berries.

Before School: Fruit Smoothie

Give your kids all the nutrients they need in one tasty package by giving them a fruit smoothie. There are many tasty options to consider, like a strawberry and watermelon. This is a great way to get your kids some fruit in the morning without the hassle.

After School: Yogurt

A great after-school snack is a nice bowl of yogurt. Find a flavor that they like, and they’ll enjoy every bite while getting plenty of vitamin D and protein. You can spice yogurt up a notch by adding some fruit. Just make sure not to make this healthy treat too sugary.

Before School: Berries

Many healthy berries can be a great morning snack. The goal is to keep the sugar to a limit, so go for strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Berries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Add them to oatmeal to create a full meal.

After School: Beans

It may not always be the most luxurious meal, but beans can be very tasty and they’re very good for you. Don’t feel bad about getting canned beans. They are often low-sodium, and they’ll be packed with fiber and protein. Doctors recommend that kids get around 25 grams of fiber per day to be healthy, so feed them some beans.

Before School: Avocado

There are many ways to serve avocados. You can spread them out on toast, put them in a smoothie, or make them into a dip. Avocados are very good for heart health and they’re a great source of potassium, which regulates blood pressure.

After School: Sweet Potatoes

When you’re looking for the afternoon foods that are best for kids, try a sweet potato. All you have to do is poke holes in a sweet potato, microwave it for five minutes, let it cool, then scoop it onto your child’s plate and they’ll have a tasty and healthy meal.

Before School: A Glass of Milk

Need something to wash down all of these healthy foods? How about a glass of milk? Kids need milk because it provides the vitamin D and calcium necessary for strong and growing bones. Enjoy a glass of milk by itself or pour it into a healthier cereal, like whole grain Cheerios.

After School: Carrots and Celery

When your kids come into the house looking for an afternoon snack, offer them a bowl of carrots or celery. If they want a little more of a flavor punch, serve them with a side of hummus. It will be a tasty meal that won’t fill the kids up before dinnertime.

Healthy Eating Tip: Be A Role Model

Getting your kids to eat healthy before and after school won’t always be easy. A big tip is to be a role model when it comes to healthy eating. Don’t just tell your kids to eat the items on this list. Show them that you’re also willing to eat them. If you don’t do what you preach, the kids probably won’t either.

Healthy Eating Tip: Offer Variety

Another important tip to remember when it comes to healthy eating is to offer variety. Don’t just give carrots every afternoon or the kids will likely get sick of them. Likewise, don’t provide the same fruit smoothie every morning. Mix it up and your kids will be excited to eat healthy.

Tip For Busy Parents: Prepare the Night Before

There are ways that you can make life easier so you’re not so rushed in the morning. One tip is to get things ready the night before. Put the food out in containers if you can. No, you shouldn’t let milk sit out all night, but you can at least put the glass out so there’s one less thing to remember.

Tip For Busy Parents: Prepare Everything in Advance

Another tip for busy parents is to prepare snacks and meals in advance. On Sunday night, you could prepare a lot of the food and keep it in the refrigerator. Then, you can hand out servings every day of the week. Also, make sure that you keep your grocery list updated so you know that you have the food you need for the week.

Draw a Family Tree

The first of the grandparent-grandkid outings that you should consider is creating a family tree. This is an activity that you can do at home, so there won’t be any unnecessary costs. Imagine how fun it will be for a child to learn about his parents and the lives of his grandparents. This can even be a project that the child can show to their friends.

Make a Fort

A great experience for grandchildren and grandparents alike is building a fort. Whether you’re building it in the child’s backyard or as a place to play in the grandparent’s yard, it can be a lot of fun. Grandparents often have a lot of experience with building, so they can provide some great advice. A great way to save money while building a fort is to use materials from around the house, like blankets, pillows, and old furniture.

Go to the Library

A great way to pass some time with grandchildren is to head to the local library. This can often be a totally free adventure and it can be a blast. While at the library, grandparents can show off some of their favorite books and the grandchildren can do the same. You can also rent movies, read old newspapers, go online to child-friendly websites, and more.

Have a Movie Night

Our list of wonderful grandparent-grandkid outings continues with hosting a movie night. This is a great outing that you can have at your home. You can save money on the film by using a streaming service to which you already subscribe. Then you can find sales on popcorn and candy and have snacks during the show. Ask the kids which movie they want to watch and it will be a night they’ll always remember.

Go On a Walk

One of the fun and free activities that your grandchild will love is simply taking a walk. Take a stroll through the park or down the street. This is a great time to bond and ask your grandchild about their day. You can also use this as an opportunity to keep your eyes open for other businesses or eateries you could visit during your next outing.

Plant Flowers or Trees in the Park

You can have a great outing with your grandchild while also helping the planet by going into the park to plant some trees or plants. In addition to being fun, this is a great chance to improve the mental health of your grandchild. When they continue to visit the flower or tree they planted over time and see it grow, and they know they had a part in it, it will help their confidence.

Go on a Picnic

While you’re walking through the park, take a chance to enjoy a lovely picnic. Get a blanket, some food, and maybe a radio for some soft tunes, and you’ll have a great time. You don’t have to go overboard on food. Save money by purchasing some snacks at a dollar store and use a blanket that you already own. Use this time to talk about life, family, or whatever you want.

Build a Birdhouse

A fun activity to do in the garage or the backyard is to build a birdhouse with your grandchild. It doesn’t have to be an extensive project. Putting four walls, a floor, and a roof together will be enough. Then you can have fun painting the house. You can save money by purchasing a pre-made birdhouse kit or find lumber lying around the garage. 

Play Mini Golf

One of the most enjoyable activities a child and grandparent can enjoy together is a rousing game of mini golf. You don’t have to take it too seriously. Go to a course and see how unique each hole is. You can keep score but remember that it’s just for fun. Mini golf courses can sometimes be expensive, so look for a coupon online to save some money.

Go to the Zoo

A nice grandchild-grandparent outing can include going to the zoo. There’s something so exciting about seeing the different exhibits and the exotic animals. You never know what you’re going to see and many zoos get new animals all of the time. Yes, the zoo can be costly, especially if you have multiple grandchildren, but there are often discounted days throughout the year. Check online. They can be a big help.

Go Bowling

If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, make a date to go bowling. Remember that you’re just there to have fun, so don’t go overboard counting the score. Instead, just have fun together rolling the ball. Bowling costs can add up, so look online for coupons or certain hours where you can get a deal. Sometimes, you can save money by combining bowling with another activity, like the arcade.

Go Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, then taking a fishing trip can be one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings ever. Just imagine going out to the creek, casting your lines, and waiting for fish as you bond with your loved ones. Fishing is typically an inexpensive activity, especially if you already own the poles. Usually, you just have to spend a few dollars on some bait.

Go Swimming at the Pool

Going swimming at the local pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat and have fun with your loved ones. Bring your pool noodles and inflatables and you’ll have a blast for hours. If your subdivision has a local pool, you can often enjoy it for free. Either that or head out to the local creek.

Attend a Farmer’s Market

Another fun and free event is heading to the local farmer’s market when it comes to town. You and your grandchild can walk the aisles, trying samples and enjoying each other’s company. Pick up some candy when you see it and enjoy a sweet treat. Find some affordable ingredients and use them to cook dinner!

Bake Cookies

A fun and tasty way to enjoy a nice day is to bake cookies or other sweet treats together. This is one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings because you can teach your grandchild how to bake, and then afterward, you can enjoy your treats together. You can enjoy this outing for free if you already own the ingredients.

#7 Acura Integra

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a contender for the safest family vehicle is the 2024-25 Acura Integra. The Integra is a great vehicle. It offers style and comfort, but it has a modest price tag. The four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to get your kids from point A to point B without overspending on fuel.

What Makes it Safe?

According to the IIHS, there are several factors that make the Acura Integra safe. From front to back, the car is loaded with safety features, including high-powered LED headlights and reliable seatbelt reminders. The IIHS states that the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle are strong and will be reliable in the case of a collision. The car also has a solid breaking system.

#6 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a safe and sturdy three-row SUV that’s capable of seating up to eight passengers. You can even fit in five car seats if you have a growing family. The Pilot also offers plenty of hip room. This is also the car for you if you love cup holders, charger options, and all the other bells and whistles that make driving it a dream.

What Makes it Safe?

The Honda Pilot provides ample safety features, including a multi-angle backup camera, road departure mitigation systems, and lane assist. The newer models also feature tire pressure monitoring systems, so you don’t have to stress during road trips. Other perks include automatic headlights, cross-traffic monitoring, and side curtain airbags.

#5 Subaru Ascent

Another one of the best SUVs on the market and a contender for the safest family vehicle is the Subaru Ascent. This is another big vehicle with room for up to eight passengers. The SUV also offers a lot of storage space, so you can keep backpacks and snacks out of the way. This vehicle also has a whopping 19 cup holders, which may seem a bit excessive until you go to a fast food restaurant with the whole family!

What Makes it Safe?

The Subaru Ascent is a very safe vehicle. Subaru has its EyeSight Driver-Assisting Technology, which includes numerous features that help you see the environment around you while helping to control the vehicle. There is a pre-collision braking system, lane-centering features, and advanced blind spot detection. 

#4 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry continues to be a very dependable and popular sedan. In addition to its safety features, the car is extremely reliable and it’s very fuel efficient. You can fit 4-5 people, and there’s plenty of hip space. The Camry is also a great car for small children as it can fit multiple car seats safely and securely.

What Makes it Safe?

The Toyota Camry is also loaded with safety features. It has a robust lane tracing assist system that keeps the car in the center of the lane. It also has an incredible dynamic radar cruise control that keeps you at your speed while also maintaining the proper distance behind other vehicles. The car also has road sign assist, which informs you of important signage on the road by showing them vividly on your dashboard display.

#3 Ford F150

There are also many trucks that fit well in the safest family vehicle conversation. The F150 is one such truck. The truck fits several people with plenty of hip space. It’s also a great vehicle for traveling over different types of terrain. This model also has a unique stowaway feature that creates a desk-like space between the passenger and driver spaces. It’s a nice feature for keeping belongings out of reach of the children.

What Makes it Safe?

Since this truck can go almost anywhere, it makes sense that it would have safety features for any adventure. The Ford F150 features advanced airbag safety systems that protect all passengers if there’s trouble. The truck also has emergency breaking when a collision is detected. There are also blind spot alerts, lane-keeping assist features, and a great parking assist feature, which can make driving easier for people who are newer to trucks.

#2 Tesla Model X

If you absolutely require an electric vehicle, then consider the Tesla Model X. It has plenty of seating and room for multiple car seats. There’s also plenty of hip room for adult passengers. The Tesla also has many bells and whistles for adults, including several Bluetooth charging stations and a helpful cabin camera. The Tesla is more for fashion than function, but it will work just fine as a family car.

What Makes it Safe?

There’s plenty that makes the Tesla Model X safe. For starters, the Model X has extensive lane assist technology that detects items in your blindspot and keeps you safely in your lane. The speed assist feature is also nice. It provides different indicators on your dashboard monitor that help you to stay at a safe speed. Other bells and whistles include the cabin camera, collision avoidance assist, seatbelts, and safety harnesses.

#1 Honda Odyssey

If you have a growing family, you can’t go wrong with a good minivan, and the Honda Odyssey is one of the best. You can fit eight people in this van, making it great for bringing family and friends to those soccer games. Even though you can fit a lot of people, the van is still very spacious so everyone can be comfortable. The vehicle is also car seat-friendly.

What Makes it Safe?

What makes this the safest family vehicle? Several factors. The van offers several configurations for car seats so children of all ages can sit comfortably. There’s also a multi-angle rearview camera that allows you to see much of the road at once. This Odyssey also has advanced braking, airbag, and driver assistance systems. There are also land departure and lane-keeping alerts. You can rest easy when you load your family in this van.

’90s Pizza Hut Buffet

Technically, Pizza Hut is still in business; however, many people long for the day when it ruled the pizza world. In the ’90s, Pizza Hut was a popular restaurant with plenty of kid-eat-free days.

’90s Pizza Hut Buffet

Additionally, Pizza Hut had both a sit-down section and a buffet. The atmosphere was comforting to families. Whether they were planning a birthday party or taking their kids out for a weekday treat. Pizza Hut in the ’90s was where it was at.

Chi-Chi’s

Chi-Chi’s was a Mexican restaurant that was very popular during the 1980s and 1990s. They quickly became known for their fried ice cream and salsa.

Chi-Chi’s

Chi-Chi’s was an introduction to the whole concept of Tex-Mex cuisine. The immense popularity soon fizzled out when bigger competitors began to grow. Now, there is talk that a new Chi-Chi’s may be up and coming. While it may not be exactly what the old restaurant was, seeing its similarities to the ’80s favorite Chi-Chi’s will be interesting.

Bennigan’s

Bennigan’s was another ’90s restaurant that quickly became popular during this era. Customer favorites included Monte Cristo sandwiches, which were described as a ‘food-coma-inducing deliciousness” by a Reddit commenter.

Bennigan’s

Bennigan’s was first founded in 1972 and had the catchphrase ‘bringing families together.” It was a laid-back restaurant where families could enjoy delicious appetizers and deep-fried everything (have you ever had deep-fried broccoli?) They quickly became popular for their two for one happy hour drinks.

Don Pablo’s

Don Pablo’s was another Tex-Mex restaurant that focused on making meals from scratch, providing fresh ingredients, and creating a relaxing atmosphere in which families felt comfortable.

Don Pablos

Today, the nostalgia for the feeling of Don Pablos is strong. Whether it was going to the restaurant and watching fresh tortillas being made in front of you or hanging out as a family enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, there was always a reason to go to Don Pablos.

Sizzler

In the 1970s, Sizzler was a hopping restaurant that changed the way of typical restaurants with their ingenious salad bar. Families could come and order a full meal at a reasonable price and chill out in a family-friendly space.

Sizzler

Other than the salad bar, Sizzler was known for its down-home menu items, such as steak, ribs, and burgers. Family-friendly food was another reason kids and adults felt comfortable here.

Ponderosa

Ponderosa was a family-friendly buffet restaurant that offered amazing deals. These included family days, where families ate for a very low price. They also had kid-eat-free days. These deals made it easier for families with smaller kids to dine out when they didn’t feel like cooking.

Ponderosa

The main reason Ponderosa was so family-friendly was because of the price range. In the ’90s, buffet-style restaurants were extremely popular. This concept allowed customers to pick and choose from a wide range of choices for a reasonable price. Though buffets aren’t nearly as popular anymore, you can still find a Ponderosa lingering around the United States here or there.

Old Country Buffet

The Old Country Buffet was another popular family buffet in the 1990s. It was a top choice for those who wanted a relaxing night out but didn’t want to choose just one specific type of meal. Buffets are handy like that.

Old Country Buffet

Many Redditors in this post share how they used to go there for ‘fancy’ dinners with their family. It was their definition of a ‘nice restaurant.” If a restaurant can evoke nostalgia such as that, it must have done something right.

In Conclusion

Finding a family-friendly restaurant isn’t always easy. So many checks need to be marked off to be considered a top restaurant for families. Things like a calm atmosphere, reasonably priced, and kid-friendly meals. However, the family-friendly restaurants on this list are ones we would love to see make a comeback.

Why It’s Important to Have a Smooth Morning Routine

If you’re a new parent or you are considering growing your family, you may be wondering about the importance of a smooth morning routine with kids. The fact is that you need to have some kind of procedure to go through each morning for your own sanity. It’s especially important when your kids start going to school. You need to get them out the door on time. When you have a schedule, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly so you can also get on with your day. Create your schedule early, so you’re set when you really need it. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Keep It Simple

There will be a lot of recommended steps here for your child’s morning routine. However, regardless of which aspects you include, remember to keep things simple, especially for younger kids. Don’t complicate the process or your kids will inevitably forget a step. If they do, don’t be too hard on them.

Lay Out Clothes the Night Before

The key to a smooth morning routine with kids is to start the night before. One way to do so is to talk with your kids in the evening about the clothes they’ll wear the next day. Find their clothes and lay them all out near the bed. This is a big step that you can skip in the morning. If you have kids, you know how indecisive they can be about their clothes, so this is a must.

Pack Their Backpack the Evening Before

Another essential step to take the night before is to get your child’s backpack in order. Talk to your child about what classes they have and pack their books. Also, ask them about any homework assignments they may have forgotten about. Get them done and out of the way.

Shower or Bathe the Night Before

This step may differ for each family. Some people like to bathe the night before, while others like to bathe when they wake up. However, if you want to have a smooth morning routine with kids, consider bathing the night before. That way, the kids can get out of bed and move on to the next steps of the morning routine. The bathing routine can sometimes take a while so it’s good to get this out of the way.

Get to Bed Earlier

It’s essential that you and your child get enough sleep at night. If you’re not getting enough sleep, then there’s a good chance that you won’t wake up on time. If you find that you’re struggling, then make bedtime a few minutes earlier. It can make a world of difference.

Wake Up Early

If you have a morning routine but you find that you’re still running out of time, you may need to wake up earlier than usual. It may seem easier said than done, but it may be necessary. Even setting the alarm five minutes earlier could make a big difference. Your child will likely be cranky when you start this new wake-up time, but they’ll be okay eventually.

Make Waking Up Less Jarring

Think about how you wake up your kids in the morning. A loud alarm can be a bit jarring and can make your child upset.So can shaking them awake. Instead, make the wake-up process more relaxing by changing the alarm to a soothing song or waking the kiddos up with some warm snuggles. It’s a great way to start the day.

Get Them in the Bathroom

In the morning, once your child is up and out of bed, get them into the bathroom so they can get that part of the process over with. Part of the procedure may be washing their face, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or any number of things. Get it done and move on with the routine.

Keep Everything In Its Space

Another essential key to a smooth morning routine with kids is to keep everything in a certain place so you know where to get it. That means also putting things away when you’re done. Keep the coat in the closet, the backpack near the door, and the homework in the bag the night before. You may need to put items in labeled containers so you always have what you need.

Put Clocks Everywhere

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the easiest. For example, if you want to know that you’re on time during your morning routine, then put clocks everywhere. Have a clock in your child’s room, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen. That way, you can keep on track and get everything done.

Listen to Upbeat Music

While you’re going through your morning routine, consider playing some upbeat music that is suitable for children. Music has a great way of energizing people and getting them excited, and it could be just what your kids need to be motivated to get out the door. Even playing it in the background can do the trick.

Share Positive Thoughts of the Day

A final great way to set yourself and your kids up for the day is to share some positive thoughts and things you’re grateful for. You can do this on your way out the door or even in the car on the way to school. Your kid can repeat phrases like “I am brave” and “I can do anything.” It’s a great way to set your kids up for success in class. When your kids wake up, ask them to say something that they’re grateful for, like that they’re healthy or that they get to learn something exciting at school.

Create a Checklist

Once you’ve created a smooth morning routine with kids, take all of the steps you want to follow and turn them into a checklist. Hang it up so that both you and your kids can see it so everyone is aware of what is expected. Consider adding it onto a dry-erase board so you can check off each step. Then, when you’re done, you can clean it off and have it ready for the next day.

Reward Your Child

When your child successfully goes through the morning routine, consider providing them with a reward. It could be an extra snack at breakfast or the promise of playing a game after school. You don’t have to reward them every day, but by showing that they did a good job, they’ll be likely to be successful again tomorrow.

Unlimited Breadsticks and Salad

• Breadsticks start at $4.49
• Jumbo House Salad and Breadsticks $22.99

One of the best deals for families at Olive Garden is their unlimited breadsticks and salad. You don’t have to order anything else at this restaurant, and you’d still walk away feeling full and satisfied.

Ravioli Carbonara

• $18.29

Keep it simple with cheese ravioli topped with bacon and baked with creamy sauces. Add chicken frittata, sauteed shrimp, or even grilled chicken for an extra cost to dress it up.

Lasagna Classico

• $18.49

Do you love classic lasagna? Then, you’ll enjoy the lasagna classico with plenty of delicious layering and complimentary flavors.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

• $16.78

You can never go wrong with the classic spaghetti and meatballs. This meal is great for splitting with a child or eating alone.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce or Marinara

• $12.99

If you aren’t a fan of meatballs but love spaghetti, you can get it even cheaper.

6 oz. Sirloin

• $19.99

Just because it’s an Italian restaurant doesn’t mean you can’t have some steak. The juicy 6 oz. Sirloin comes with fettuccine alfredo, which makes a very filling meal.

Four-Cheese Manicotti

• $12.99

If simple is what you love, then try this four-cheese manicotti. This dish comes with three cheese-filled manicotti pasta. Then, on top of these noodles are marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It can’t get simpler than that.

Eggplant Parmigiana

• $17.49

Parmigiana isn’t just reserved for chicken; you can also get an eggplant parmigiana. Served like the chicken, this meal comes with spaghetti and is covered with marinara and mozzarella cheese.

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

• $17.99

This large dish comes with ziti pasta covered in a five-cheese marinara. While you can eat this alone, it’s also a great meal to split with someone.

Cheese Ravioli

• $17.29

Do you love ravioli? The classic cheese ravioli is perfect for those who can’t get enough Italian carbs.

Three-Meat Manicotti

• $16.49

The three-meat manicotti is very similar to the four cheeses. However, it also includes three types of meat. These are Italian sausage, pepperoni, and chopped-up meatballs.

Fettuccine Alfredo

• $16.49

You can order just the fettuccine and sauce for slightly less than the chicken fettuccine alfredo. This is an ideal dish for anyone who doesn’t like meat or just wants pasta.

Weekday Lunch Special Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks

• $9.49

If you visit Olive Garden on a weekday between 11-2:30 p.m., you’ll get a delicious deal for under $10. Fill up on the delicious salad, breadsticks, and homemade soup.

Homemade Soups

• $8.49

For $8.49, you can order one of the tasty homemade soups. Chose from:

• Toscana
• Minestrone
• Pasta e Fagioli
• Chicken and Gnocchi

Each of the homemade soups comes with an order of two breadsticks.

Create Your Own Pasta

• $12.99

For only $12.99, you can create your very own pasta dish. Choose what type of pasta you want with choices such as angel hair or rigatoni. Then, decide what sauce you want and if you want a topping. Now you have a delicious pasta dish all your own.

The Lunch Menu

If you come before 3 p.m. on the weekday, check out Olive Garden’s lunch menu. On it, you will find the classic entrees for a cheaper price. These include the following lunches:

• Chicken Parmigiana $11.49
• Fettuccine Alfredo $10.49
• Shrimp Scampi $11.49
• Spaghetti $10.49
• Eggplant Parmigiana $10.49
• Soup Salad and Breadsticks $9.49

Kids Meals

• Starting at $6.99

Most kid’s meals at Olive Garden start at $6.99, slightly more than at McDonald’s. If your child is under 12, then they have a good selection to choose from. This includes your Italian classics like cheese, ravioli, and spaghetti. You also have your kid’s favorites, such as macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders.

Family Style Meals

Family-style meals aren’t under $20. However, each serving size will reach under $20 if you have a large family. Ordering a family-style meal that feeds four to six people may be cheaper in the long run.

You can choose from shrimp alfredo, chicken parmigiana, spaghetti, or even lasagna.

One Last Note

Olive Garden is a top choice if you are looking for a nice place to take your family, whether for lunch or a celebration. Although it can be expensive to feed a family, especially if you have a large one, this family-friendly restaurant has many options. These 22 meals are the best deals for families at Olive Garden. You can enjoy your meal and your family and keep it under budget.

What is Considered Screen Time?

The first step to properly managing screen time is to understand what it is. As it sounds, screen time is how much time you spend sitting in front of a television, laptop, smartphone, or anything else with a screen. Spending a lot of time watching the news, playing video games, or even working can often be the culprit.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Obesity

There are numerous reasons why sitting in front of a screen for too long is bad for your mental and physical health. One of them is that you could face health issues like obesity. Whether it’s you or your children, if you spend too much time in front of the screen, you’re less likely to get up and move around. In addition to the likelihood of gaining weight, a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to heart issues, the potential for diabetes, and more.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Sleep Issues

Managing screen time is essential, especially if you value your sleep. One of the issues associated with almost any type of screen is the blue light it emits. Blue light can affect your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. That means you could have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Neck and Back Pain

Another issue associated with excessive screen time is body issues, especially with your back and neck. Most people who spend hours watching TV or working at a desk are not sitting properly. Their back may be arched and their necks bent. If you do that too often, you could experience chronic pain. 

Negative Effect of Too Much Screen Time: Anxiety and Depression

When you spend an excessive amount of time in front of a screen, you’re less likely to be out in the real world with real people. As a result you could begin to experience depression. You need social contact with others. The people on TV won’t give it to you. Also, the less time you spend in real-world situations, the more likely you are to be anxious when you’re in them later on.

Screen Time is Even Worse for Kids

Children and teens who are subjected to constant screen time can face all of the threats mentioned previously, plus other downsides, like a lack of success at school. Per the National Institutes of Health, teens with screen time issues can score lower on language and thinking tests. Creative and critical thinking skills will likely also take a hit.

Keep Track of Your Time

One of the easiest ways to start managing screen time is to be self-aware and keep track of your time. Make a spreadsheet that lists how often you’re in front of a screen each day. If you notice that you’re spending hours in front of the TV, then start making changes. Sometimes, it’s hard to realize how often you’re engaging in a bad habit until you write it down.

Use Tech

The obsession with too much screen time is a well-known issue. That’s why many developers have created software to help with the problem. For instance, one app called RescueTime tracks your screen time and sends you alerts about your usage. Another app called Canopy allows you to set restrictions on the time you can spend on websites that take up a lotof your time. Research the many different apps available online and find the best one for you.

Turn Off Notifications

Part of the reason why you may be spending so much time on your screen is because you are constantly getting reminders to get on your phone. So, turn off the notifications that you have on Facebook, Instagram, and news websites. If you’re not reminded of them, there’s a good chance you won’t be so dependent on them.

Take Breaks During Your Work

You may not have a lot of control over the need to look at screens, especially if you need to use a computer for work. However, you can make the situation better by taking breaks. Get up once per hour and focus on something different in the room so you’re not just staring at the screen all day. Another way to protect your eyes is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That way, you allow your eyes to refresh.

Use a Standing Desk

An easy way to reduce screen time is to get a standing desk. Standing during your working hours can help mitigate the possibility of obesity and other health issues. Then, when you feel better about your health and physical appearance, you’ll also likely have less anxiety.

Don’t Eat In Front of Your Screens

Many people fall into the trap of doing everything in front of their screens, so they find fewer excuses to leave them. One little way to fix your issue is to make it a rule that you will never eat a meal in front of a screen. Instead of eating with the TV on, sit with your family and speak about your days. During your lunch break, instead of eating at the desk, take the time to walk outside or find a way to get out of the house.

Don’t Look at Your Phone in Bed

Many people lie in bed while looking at social media or watching YouTube. That’s a surefire way to fuel your screen addiction. So, make it a rule to never touch your smartphone while in bed. Instead, write in a journal or read a book. These are methods to keep your mind busy and could help you fall asleep.

Spend More Time Outdoors

An easy way to avoid excessive screen time is to spend as little time as possible away from screens. A great way to do so is to spend more time outdoors. During weekends, instead of binging new shows, go for long hikes. After work, head outside and spend time with the kids. Whenever you feel yourself getting bored on the couch, find something to do in the backyard.

Lead by Example

If you don’t want your kids to also struggle with an addiction to screen time, then you should set an example. Doing so could help you and the children. Set limitations for when your kids should be on screens and then follow your own advice. In addition to being healthier, you and your kids will also have an increased chance of bonding with each other.

Fruit Snacks

For a snack with the word fruit in it, you would think health would be a given. Yet, there are both benefits and negatives to grabbing a pack of fruit snacks. The calories are low, and some fruit snacks contain vitamins A and C. However, fruit snacks also contain a ton of sugar and some trans-fat. Additionally, they tend to be loaded with colors and dyes. Which is one reason these unhealthy foods are now banished from my house.

Instead, a better option to give your kids is fresh fruit like apples, bananas, or berries.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks may make children and adults feel a quick pick me up, but they aren’t great for our health. Many come with health risks that aren’t worth it, especially for children.

Energy drinks can decrease insulin sensitivity and put a person at risk for anxiety, hallucinations, headaches, depression, and more. Additionally, energy drinks may also put one at risk of having a stroke.

If your child is coming home tired from school, make it a priority to ensure they get plenty of rest at night.

Flavored Yogurt

Yogurt can be very healthy, especially yogurts like Kefr and Greek. However, when we get into the territory of flavored yogurt, that’s when the health benefits can start to decrease.

Flavored yogurt tends to be full of sugar. Some tubes of flavored yogurt can contain up to 15 grams or more of added sugar. So, when in doubt, opt for unflavored plain or Greek yogurt.

Goldfish Snacks

Any of the baked processed pantry snacks are far from healthy for children. They are highly processed and full of added preservatives. Goldfish are one of the foods that are now banished.

Goldfish snacks also have too much sodium and minimal nutrients. This and the additives make them better left on the store shelves.

Instead, try giving your child fresh vegetables for that added crunch.

Pop Tarts

Pop-Tarts are another processed breakfast or snack food that is better to say no to. They are highly processed with refined flour and soybean oil and contain too much sugar. This sugar includes refined white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup.

Fructose is known to increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. If your child loves to have a sweet treat after school, try baking homemade banana or zucchini bread. You can control the ingredients in the bread, and you will still get something sweet.

Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

Kids love macaroni and cheese. What’s not to love? It’s easy, convenient, pasta, and cheesy! However, boxed macaroni and cheese have been linked to phthalates, a chemical that makes plastics more flexible.

Furthermore, mac and cheese is also very highly processed. It contains a ton of sodium and a high amount of saturated fat.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are also another loved snack and meal for kids. However, consuming them actually comes with health risks. They contain high amounts of sodium that can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Additionally, hot dogs contain nitrates and nitrites. These additives come with the risk of cancer.

Lunchables

Lunchables seemingly make the perfect after-school snack. They contain just the right number of crackers, meat, and cheese and sometimes you can find breakfast lunchables. Some even come with a tasty little treat. Yet, don’t go reaching for one of these just yet.

Since lunchables are highly processed meat, they contain ingredients that can increase the risk of cancer. Furthermore, they are high in sodium and may have heavy metals and phthalates.

Sugary Breakfast Cereals

Sugary breakfast cereals may be addicting for some kids, but the high levels of sugar can be concerning. Too much sugar increases blood pressure, affects insulin, and puts kids at risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes down the line.

So, if your kid is a huge fan of sugar, try opting for a healthier brand.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are addicting and sometimes oh-so-tasty. But they also come with risks, especially when consumed in high amounts. If anyone has eaten potato chips, you know it’s hard to eat a few!

Potato chips have high sodium levels and little to no nutritional value. Additionally, they are fried, which means they contain high levels of unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats.

One Last Note

Finding the perfect snack isn’t always easy. Kids can be picky and sometimes, the healthiest foods are more expensive. While junk food isn’t always terrible in moderation, it’s important not to let your kids eat unhealthy levels of processed food daily. The risk these foods come with are why they are now banished. Instead, make sure to add in some healthier choices. Before you know it, your kids may be reaching for the cottage cheese or the apple instead of the goldfish or potato chips.

Listen to the Experts

If you used to think that video games were bad, then you need to listen to the experts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, video games increase brain matter. The experts say the games work like a stimulant that increases the gray matter that encourages interconnectivity in your brain. The grey matter also controls your movement and regulates your emotions.

Feelings of Accomplishment

The same experts at the Cleveland Clinic also say that playing video games can help players feel a sense of accomplishment. All games include tasks of some form, and when a player reaches the next level or gets a trophy, it feels great. The player can translate that feeling into the real world and use it to succeed in their job.

Improve Dexterity

Holding a video game controller can be great for a player’s hands and improve dexterity. This is according to a study from the American Psychological Association. They say that people who play video games make fewer mistakes when they’reworking with their hands. Some doctors even recommend that stroke victims play video games to get back control of their hands.

Improve Social Skills

When many people imagine someone playing video games, they imagine them all alone, sitting in the dark. However, the truth is that people who play video games are often better in social situations, typically due to the fact that they play games with other people, even if they’re not with them in the room. They may even be more comfortable than someone who doesn’t play games.

Become a Problem Solver

Just about any video game will help the player with problem-solving abilities. Platforming games require the gamer to jump from place to place to reach an end goal. Role-playing games ask the player to form a group to defeat a common enemy. Granted, players won’t face these same issues in real life, but they’ll know the steps necessary to tackle a problem.

Become More Physically Active

Many people also have the misconception that gamers sit on a couch all day and eat fatty foods. The fact is that new technology like virtual headsets and gaming systems like the Wii require players to move around while playing the game. That means a gamer may be getting more exercise than non-gamers, and that’s a good thing.

Improved Vision

People who thought that video games were bad never realized the benefit that gaming can have on a player’s eyes. Many games, including first-person shooters, require players to see what’s near and far at all times in order to win. According to a study on Live Science, game players can often see objects in cluttered spaces more easily than non-gamers. Just be careful about staring at the TV screen for too long.

Stress Relief

Gaming can also be an incredible stress reliever. If you enjoy playing video games, then you’re likely to feel better whileplaying them. Just about any game can help the player escape reality, if even for an hour or so. That’s why many mental health professionals even recommend games as a form of therapy.

Games Teach Persistence

The great thing about most video games is that they have an ending, and the goal is to get to that ending. It won’t always be easy, and that’s the point. Playing most games requires persistence and that same persistence is necessary in the real world. Many people give up to easily in life, so gaming could be a solution.

Improves Your Memory

There are many games that require memory to succeed. You can play just about any role-playing game, and you’ll be forced to remember which items hurt which enemies. There are also strategy games that require certain moves to succeed. In the real world, it’s necessary to remember facts and information for work, so gaming could help a person succeed.

Games Can Help With Reading Skills

Video games can be great for younger kids who are learning to read. Many open-world games and RPG titles require the player to read in order to make decisions and progress throughout the game, and kids can learn a lot. Granted, video games shouldn’t be the only way that kids learn to read, but they can be a great supplement to books.

Video Games Could Become a Career

The people who always believed that video games were bad have never turned their love of gaming into a career. The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and there are jobs for graphic artists, writers, voice actors, and more. A child who loves games now could find a very fruitful career in the future.

Games Learn How To Set-Shift

To set-shift means how quickly a person can switch from doing one job to another. So, how quickly can a person properly move from cooking a meal to washing the car. Video games can help people move from task to task more easily and with little confusion. Games can also help with multitasking abilities. 

Games Help With Creativity

Video games can also be a great way to spark creativity. Many games are filled with expansive worlds that seem to go on forever, and they can do wonders for a person’s imagination. Gamers could use the inspiration they get from playing their games to be more creative in the real world.

Games Can Be Educational

I always thought video games were bad until I realized how many educational games there are in the world. There are games that teach players how to read, perform math equations, learn the alphabet, and many other important lessons. Sit your child in front of an educational game for 10-15 minutes, and it could do them a lot of good.