You Pick A Side: Should adults be allowed to order from the kids’ menu?
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Stuff’s weekly series dives into the everyday topics that get people talking.
Each week, we’ll put up a simple question, make the case for both sides, and let you decide.
Vote in the poll, or have your say in the comments.
So … pick a side.
Yes, adults should be allowed to order from the kids’ menu
Not everyone wants a meal large enough to feed a rugby team. Sometimes a few chicken nuggets, a mini pizza or fish and chips is all that's needed. Smaller portions mean less food waste, lower costs and happier diners. Besides, adulthood is supposed to be about freedom and choice. If someone wants dinosaur-shaped nuggets with a side of curly fries, who are we to stand in their way?
No, adults should not be allowed to order from the kids’ menu
The kids’ menu is for kids — it's right there in the title. These meals are usually cheaper because they're designed to help families dine out affordably, not to provide bargain lunches for adults. If grown-ups start ordering kids' meals en masse, restaurants may be forced to raise prices or scrap the deals altogether. Being an adult comes with responsibilities, and one of them is accepting that sometimes you have to order from the grown-up menu.
Have your say in the comments and let us know if you have any topics you want discussed. If you’re using the Stuff app on iOS you’ll need to view Stuff.co.nz on a browser to view and post comments.
Previous You Pick A Sides:
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Should people reply to every message with a reaction or thumbs-up?
Do you put the toilet roll on over or under?
Should you split the bill evenly or pay for what you ordered?