“Doubling Down with the Derricos”: Karen Details 'Routine' for Dining Out with 16 Kids So They Don't 'Starve' (Exclusive)
In PEOPLE’s exclusive look at the June 18 episode of 'Doubling Down with the Derricos', Karen admits that dining out can become "chaotic" without locking in what children want to order ahead of time
The Derricos don’t head to a restaurant without a game plan.
In PEOPLE's exclusive sneak peek at this week’s Doubling Down with the Derricos episode, Karen shares, “When you're going out with a family of 18, you need to have your routine down to a science.”
The mom of 16 tells the server that she “already looked at menus” and is prepared to order for her kids. She then lists off their extensive order, which includes seven fried chicken sandwiches, two scrambled eggs, grilled French toast and bacon.
TLC 'Doubling Down with the Derricos'
“[You] need to already have your food selected and although it sounds like it's little stuff, you'd be amazed at a server standing at your table for 10 minutes just because you are trying to debate with your child on what beverage they're going to drink,” she explains in a confessional. “That's ridiculous.”
She adds: ”Otherwise, it's just chaotic and we would starve, like completely starve.”
While Karen seems to have the ordering down pat, the mayhem begins when the food arrives. As servers bring out dishes, Deon implores his kids to “pay attention” and try to recall what they ordered.
TLC 'Doubling Down with the Derricos'
Karen tells the children to “raise your hands” if they ordered the fried chicken sandwiches while it seems no one claims the blueberry pancakes.
“No one can ever remember what they order or they don't pay attention,” Karen says. “I really feel for the servers, especially being a former server myself.”
In a confessional after the meal, Diez, 6, says he got the pancakes but his brother Dior, 6, corrects him saying he got the waffles. They then light-heartedly fight back and forth about the order.
TLC From left: Deon Derrico and Karen Derrico
The clip was filmed prior to Karen and Deon filing divorce on June 4, according to TMZ. The divorce was finalized two days later, and they are confirmed to split legal and physical custody of their 13 minor children.
In a statement to PEOPLE following the news of their divorce, Karen and Deon said, “Together, we remain unified in the parenting of our 14 beautiful children — their well-being is our priority. We thank everyone for their understanding and support as we move forward for the good of our family."
Season 5 of the family's TLC show, which premiered in 2020, chronicles Karen and Deon juggling their kids while also searching for a new house, which has been a "forever process and is putting a strain on Deon and Karen’s marriage," per an official synopsis.
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Doubling Down with the Derricos airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.
Read the original article on People.