DS does not have an eating issue but if he did not want to eat I would not put him on time-out. Instead I would have him sit at the table with me as I eat and have a conversation about our day. You can't force-feed a child and I don't believe you ever want to make it a battle-station - just my opinion. As for the car seat - yes, DS wants to 'climb in by self' and it does take extra time and he'll have a little conversation as I'm standing there - you really can't rush the little ones as it tends to slow them down. If we are in a rush I do forewarn him and say something like 'oh goodness, look at the time - we better hurry - can you get in by yourself or should Mama help' - he seems to understand the need for a no-nonsense entry to his seat
. Same thing walking home - it's faster if I put him in the stroller but often he wants to 'help' me push the stroller and it is a 20-minute exploration - fallen leaves, cars, trucks, trees, squirrels etc. you get the idea instead of a five-minute stroll. But he does help me stop and smell the roses so to speak
Honestly, I just try to build in for a few minutes delay and most of the time I just think hey, it comes with the territory. Disclaimer - I'm a single mom of one so can't speak for anyone else.
DS does have a snack as soon as we get in so he's not quite as hyper as he might be otherwise.