Do parents rely too much on take-away food for convenience?

YES! I have never been a huge takeaway eater myself, being brought up having it very occasionally and now, as i'm a little older, by choice. I do alot of babysitting and also work at a school and childcare centre. it's phenominal how many parents pick their kids up from school every day and take them straight to maccas, red rooster, KFC just for an afternoon snack, and then get chips or pizza or chinese takeaway for dinner. and parents i babysit for give me money and tell me to order a pizza for the kids and myself for dinner. when i offer to cook they almsot always say- no, it's too much hassle. these kids are young but i beleive when they say they have takeaway all the time cos i'm always seeing bins full or takeaway containers. PLUS- usually one parent goes to get takeway while the other stays qaat home with the kids....so the kids aren't moving and inch.

I think, in these days of working parents, busy kids and juggling schedules, a LOT of parents do rely on take-out/take-away foods. I know of many families who squeeze in a quick visit to McDonald's between the parents arriving home from work and the kids having to be at a soccer game. It's not a healthy lifestyle but I know they are trying to alleviate stress in their homes. I wish there were more options for the same convenience but on a much healthier scale. Part of the problem, too, is that people don't inform themselves about the choices they can make, even when eating fast food. For example, I see that people will opt for the fish sandwich (whatever name it carries where you may live) at McDonald's because they equate fish with eating healthy. Unfortunately, that is one of the poorest health choices on the McDonald's menu. I guess, as parents, it's our job to learn what we can, make the smartest choices possible under the circumstances, and most of all, not to beat ourselves up if we have to go for convenience, every now and again, just to keep everyone on their schedules. If we balance out the junk food with a lot of healthy food the rest of the time (and encourage the kids to exercise and be active), then they can still be very well off :)

I can't tell you the number of people around here who seem to be taking their kids to McDonald's nightly. Even if it were healthy, I would think it would be cheaper to make a big meal at home. I can make a pot of spaghetti that will feed 8 people for under $5.

I really don't blame any of the fast food restaurants for the obesity of children or anyone because like anything else if these are ate at or taken home in moderation there would be no problem. What has happened in todays world people have gotten lazy and rather bring food home or run to a fast food place or order pizza. Yes parents so use this as a quick way. When I first got my step daughters I had one heck of a time getting them to ear real food. They were use to pizza and subway and fast foods. Food you pop in microwaves and so on. Can't blame the fast food market for the obesity have to blame the people that get to lazy to cook.

i absoloutely HATE convenience food. i think its disgusting. my mum has always cooked proper meals for me ever since i was a baby up until now

Yes. There is nothing wrong with an occasional night out for some fast food. The problem starts when it turns into a regular habit. So much of this type of food is addictive. I really think it is made that way for a purpose. When kids get in the habit of eating this junk food, they carry those habits for life. It becomes harder to change later in life and eat healthier. Just because McDonald's serves salads doesn't mean it is a healthy place to eat. They offer somewhat healthier food in order to get you in the place. That is the fast food industry game plan. Do anything to get you in and hooked on there crappy food.

Yup, and I think the lack of time is the biggest contributor to this. People take the easy way out when it comes to preparing food and some dont even bother to make anything at home. A good wholesome meal can never be found in a box and the best option is to make the same at home and very often this is the cheapest way as well.

Yes they do. And I do not blame the food companies at all! I hate how people blame McDonald's because their kids are fat. You have choices in life, and you don't have to eat there.

I'm sure plenty of families use fast food because it is easy and convenient. You're probably right, it probably does contribute to obesity. It sure is easy though, sometimes people need breaks.

I agree with other posters... McDonald's food is a big culprit. As far as pizza goes, I don't think it's so bad if you choose a healthier pizza. We don't do take out that often, but when we do, it's usually pizza. My kids love their McDonald's fries though!!!

I do think it is a contributing factor. I would hope that nobody is doing this on a daily basis. Moderation is the key.

my child never goes to a takeaway and even i don't now because of all the fatty foods, id rather my boyfriend cooked for us so i know that were having a healthy meal!

i think it is just fine.. it is still food.. and people sometimes do not have enough time to really cook at home.. cheers!

Any junk/fast food really id say mcdonalds would be the worst i think im guilty as the rest of them i do take my child to mcdonalds but not all the time - once every 2-3 months i believe my son should have healthy food that is good for him, so i dont let him have junk too often

I do think alot of parents rely on fast food too much. I find it very sad when a child can tell you what is on a take out menu. I know several of my friends children that can recite a fast food menu. I think most of the fast food restaurants have too much grease in their food. I don't fry any foods in my home due to an illness but it is much healthier this way. We will order pizza around once in 3-4 months.

I can't speak for other parents, but to me I don't see why not using a take out once in awhile. I meant using it in moderation, that wouldn't hurt at all. I think McDoland's is worst because kids are just crazy about it.

Yes, I do think this is a big problem. I think McDonalds is the worst place to eat. Very bad for your health. I have four kids and I fed that at home. They are adults now and the eat healthy. They all love vegetables and fruit. I never fired foods very often. Maybe twice a year they would have fired foods.

I don't take the easy way out. I cook at least 6 nights a week (unless there is a function where we eat out). Saturday night is my night off and if we'renot out with friend, then we'll buy take away. Thing is I'm cooking for any or all of hubby, 3 teenage sons, 2 girlfriends of the twins, and best friend of twins (parents ignore him...GRRRRRRRR-that's another story - he's such a lovely kid) and myself. So I am cooking for between 3 and 8 every night. Usually i know in advance who will be there but occasionally i don't. Makes life interesting!!

With the pace of the world, parents aren't allowed the time to cook proper food for their families. This has caused the popularity of take-out food.

I think many parents rely on take out too much. Pizza is pretty fattening as a daily meal. We only have it on special occasions.