This was the headline I read scrawling across CNN this morning:
McDonald’s: Get rid of the Toys or Get Sued.
It made me pause…. what pansy ass parent or organization is threatening to sue McDonald’s if they don’t get rid of the toys?
Now, I get it. Please, I do. I am no fool. The correlation is that the toys make kids want the food, the food is bad for you, toys = bad food that must taste more yummy. But at what point did parents not realize they have a choice what they put in their kids body.
In my house its more like Toys = Charlotte wants food. Charlotte = Ask mom. Ask Mom + Lecture on food= No. No = temporarily whiny child. Temporarily whiny child can go to her room. Mom = Win 100% of the time.
Get it?
Last time I checked Charlotte wasn’t old enough to drive herself to a fast food joint. She isn’t old enough to even decide what channel on TV she wants. Its not like we are flipping and she says “Hey, look, All my Children is on, lets watch this!” and I pull up the popcorn to enjoy some torrid love affair with her. When she says “Lets go to McDonald’s because I want that chicken nugget/playground/Shrek wind up doll” , it’s me that has the power. It’s me that has the choice.
I am so sick of parents not taking responsibility for the behaviors their kids have. If they are brats, eat poorly, have bad exercise habits, or have bad grades and they are 5…its your fault. I am not saying 100% everything deters back to the parents at all ages, because at some point you have to trust your kids to make valid decisions, but good development starts in the home; especially when children are young enough to relate toys with food.
We go to McDonald’s on occasion. I have no problem admitting that. Its a sometimes, not an all times, food. I do my best to balance healthy eating and the “splurge” moment, but no matter the splurge, the values I am consistently trying to ensure in Charlotte that she understands the difference between those things. That fresh fruit and vegetables are healthy, that fries are not.
Education, not restriction, is the absolute key.
Yesterday Charlotte came to ask me if she could have one of the “healthy fruit roll-ups”. I buy fresh fruit roll-ups, fresh fruit snacks, real orange juice (not concentrate), 100% fruit juices and I make a point to tell her what is healthy and what isn’t healthy. So when she approached me for a snack, she knew exactly what she was asking for.
Right now, as I write this, she is watching Nick Jr and there is a Pillow Pet commercial and she is yelling from the other room “MOM! ITS A PILLOW PET! I WANT THE PENGUIN.” Should I whip out my credit card and order? I am sure you can guess the answer to that.
Charlotte does get a lot of extras. She is an only child and she has privileges large families simply cannot budget in. That, however, does not give her free reign to buy, go, and eat whatever she damn well pleases in life.
If people want to push for regulation of something, push for regulation of candy bars at the front aisles of grocery stores that I have to pass when I check out (but I can still use the word NO just as easily) or removing soda machines in our schools. To take out toys from a meal that I have to drive her there, pull out my card and pay for as a parent, and make all the choices to get her to the point of putting that food in her mouth, makes me the responsible one- not McDonald’s. Regulation of the toys is an excuse, but its not the answer.
Parents need to sack up. Stop allowing corporate America make your corporate household decisions.
It doesn’t take a village-it takes 1 strong role model.
~Trisha
Amen!
I am careful about what I eat because that is MY CHOICE. I’m getting sick of people blaming Ronald McDonald for making people fat and unhealthy. He’s not running into your house and shoving burgers down your throat. Now creepy Buger King head is doing just that in the commercials but no one’s yelling at him because Burger King isn’t as popular as McDonald’s Hmmm….
One of the keys is lack of exercise and no one’s addressing that. With PE programs being cut and more parents afraid to send their kids outside to play, and well video games and computers (guilty on the computer thing too) we have a more sedentary lifestyle now than when we were kids. I’d much rather see education about healthy eating in schools and PSAs on TV and adding more cooking/home Ec classes to schools to combat the problem.
Exactly. It’s about choices. That’s what we’ve been teaching our kids too. DO I forbid candy? No. But, you can have that entire apple for a snack and feel full, or you can have one serving size of cookies, which is usually 2 small ones and you’re still left feeling hungry. We’ve been teaching our older one (and younger when he’ll understand) about serving sizes and food choices, not blaming the food companies.
Oh brother. What’s a grandma or auntie to do when she actually wants to take the grandchild or niece/nephew out for a little treat that includes a toy that they can actually in this economy afford to do once in a blue moon.
I used to love to treat my niece and nephew when they were little to Mickey D’s as we called it, once a month or maybe longer, after a day of taking them to the big park in our city to play on all the toys and then walk through the zoo area looking at all the animals.
Wow, what a bummer some people are.
Like you said, the kids aren’t old enough to drive a car to get to McDonald’s, so it’s up to the adults to decide and pay for food. A little indulgence once in a while, well is just fun.
I agree. A day doesn’t go by that my daughter doesn’t ask for McDonald’s. I like McDonald’s fast food, but only allow it once a month. I listen to a lot of whining, but I just tune it out. And I also know that it’s not the food she wants, it’s the toy. She has plenty of toys in her room, so I don’t feel bad denying her a little McDonald’s toy.
I also dislike those little vending machines that cost a quarter, and you get a ball, gum, stickers, etc.. My daughter sees them and begs for a quarter. I say know to that, too. A waste of money, in my opinion. Sometimes, being a parent means saying No.
A *spoiled* Child is the product of a parent who does not take responsibilty and set limitations/boundaries for their children. If these kids expect to get what they *want* all the time then what kind of teenagers/adults/parents will they be. Too many teenagers where I live expect things to be handed/given to them and when someone says *no* They resort to violence to get it.
I have four children and for the same price I would spend at Mc’Donalds I can go to Domino’s pick up a pizza and then hit Toys R us up for a great family game we can play together.
oh boy,
I can see these parents when there kids teeth fall out…time to sue Hersheys, Nestle and all other candy makers because they could not say *NO*!!
I agree with you also. I took my daughter now 28 to MCDonalds. A lot of time, she ate what I ate. The funny thing is the happy meals are more healthy now, you’re not forced to take fries, burger, cola. MCDonalds is not the only one with toys!!!! What about them, maybe they don’t make as much money as Mickey D’s?? Might as well home school kids now because the teachers can’t handle all the violence and they can’t discpline, so what are we doing here??? Take away toys, no school displine. I guess they will take over all business and dictate what we can and can’t buy. I’m so sad for all the kids growing up. At least when I was raising my child there weren’t so many busy bodies worried about what I did with my child. Now my Granddaughter is going to grown up in a world of what THEY want. Sorry bout that, just a little angry because when I took my Granddaughter to daycare the other day, she started crying and the teacher that we pay her salary said, Sorry I can’t pick you up I have a bad back. So where are the rules when you hear that. So I leave not sure if she will be picked up if she falls.. Off the subject but we live in a world that if you beat a dog and set him on fire you only get a misdemeanor. First the animals that are like family, then the family. sorry had to get that off my chest! thanks
Rock on Trisha! I agree wholeheartedly!
(psst, you can buy the toys WITHOUT buying a happy meal! Yes, we’ve driven though just to buy the toys…we HAD to collect all the speed racers
)
Take resposibility parents. If my kids eat crap, it’s my fault, plain and simple.
)
(damn it….I wish I could blame it on McDs…that sure would make my life easier
You are dead on. It’s definitely up to the parents to educate their child and to not give their child whatever, whenever. We also go to McDonald’s on occasion, but my boys could care less about the toys, they mostly want to go to play, so we don’t ever get the Happy Meals. At 2 and 4, they don’t really care. Maybe they will in the future, but they are excited to play. Thanks for your opinion, I think more people need to hear it.
My daughter doesn’t even like french fries. If we go to a fast food place, we get her a fruit cup. WHY? Because it was my DUTY as a parent to instill GOOD eating habits in her that my parents did not in me. We went to a baby shower for one of my husband’s coworkers. One of the hosts asked her if she would like some soda. She said…wait for it…”NO. I don’t drink soda. Mommy says it’s bad for you. DO you have any juice?”
THAT is good parenting right there. Yesterday she asked for a salad for lunch. A baby field green and fresh spinach salad with fresh mushrooms. I was very proud. MORE parents need to stop taking the easy way, do what’s RIGHT for their kids and STOP blaming the fast food industry, corporate America, etc. for their problems.
Grow a brain and a pair and parent YOUR OWN children instead of expecting society to do it for you and then complain when your kid ends up a drugged out, overweight gang banger facing a prison sentence.
Just sayin.
I totally agree, too. My daughter is 3 years old, perfectly healthy, but only weighs 27 pounds. Yep, she is tiny. and if she hasn’t eaten all day long (she’s obviously not a big eater!) & she says she’ll actually eat mcd’s as we are going by it in the car, I have the right as her parent to let her have the damn chicken nuggets and french fries, and the toy at the end of the meal. Good God, people piss me off with this no taking responsibility mentality!
I completely agree. Be a parent and stop playing the blame game!
I loved this post and wholeheartedly agree! I’m definitely NOT a perfect parent but I have many opportunities each day to say no to things that aren’t good for my child, myself or our family. I also have plenty of healthy habits to say yes to! Yes, we do occasionally go to McDonald’s or other fast food joints but it was our decision to do so, McDonald’s didn’t twist our arm or force us to stop by for a splurge!
I received a press release the other day about “cartoon characters making kids fat” Um no, it’s the parents that are. Yes, we get fast food but we also have a fresh fruit container in the fridge ready to snack on, raisins, 100% fruit juice, etc. Blame the parents, not Shrek.
Glad I found your post. It’s hard to believe some parents have nothing better to do than place blame on others for their children’s bad eating habits. I’m overweight and I can assure you McDonald’s didn’t make me overweight, my poor food choices did. Some people are just ridiculous.
First McDonald’s is to blame for making people fat, now they want to sue McDonald’s because they offer toys to kids with their Happy Meals!
Do some parents really believe this is a valid argument or maybe they just want a little media attention?
Hmmmmm
McDonald’s had toys in their Happy Meals when I was a kid… I’m 43 now.
Sometimes when you over-regulate things you risk making them even more appealing.
Omg, I am so glad u posted this! I could not agree more with u! And your very last statement, about it doesn’t take a village-just one strong role model- I luv it! That is so right! I raised my son for the first 3 years by myself, and now I also have a new husband and a 3 year old daughter (my son is now 8) and still we don’t ever have babysitters or any help. It is all our responsibility to raise our children the correct way with good values and morals. I think its important to start early on with life skills (age appropriate of course) so kids can grow up knowing what to do and make good choices. We all make mistakes, and so will kids, but that is how we learn. These parents that cannot tell their kids NO to a Mickey D’s toy are just insane, and I’m sure that they are the ones who will be taking up our tax dollars in one way or another in the future. So aggravating! We are not wealthy, or really even considered middle-class either. We live on a budget, but both of my kids have more than most and have good values for their age. I teach my kids to appreciate what they have and be grateful for it because we are lucky to have what we have. I know this is a bit off-topic lol, but I feel it goes hand-in-hand with good parenting!
Amen Trisha!
I completely agree with you! My daughter was in McDonald’s only one time this year. Reason…we were driving for 3 hours to visit family there was so much traffic and she was starving, we didn’t bring lunch because drive was suppose to be only an hour. Entirely my fault for not bringing snacks, I only brought water and juice. So what, I was suppose to blame McDonald’s because we were driving past it and I suggested we stop there? LOL
She never even asks to go there, she never asks to go eat out, when she knows she will get all the yummy and good stuff at home. I cook all the time, some days I’m sick and tired of it, but I want my family to eat better and healthier.
Funny thing is my daughter doesn’t like sweet cereal either, they can advertise it all they want she doesn’t like it! The person who likes it is me, and well you know, it’s a secret treat LOL
But really our kids learn what we teach them. If we bring them to McDonald’s every day it’s not their fault but ours!
Sorry so long
Here, here sister…I feel ya!
I agree Trisha. I heard this and all I could think of was Seriously come one. I also dislike that they can’t point out there are other options for a happy meal then burgers and fries. But that’s another thing on it’s own. I like that McDonald’s and such have other options and before Owen was spoiled on going out, but he is our only baby and we could afford it. But now with the divorce he doesn’t get that often with me and sure he gets a bit cranky but he gets over it and again it seems to come down to certain people seem to want OTHER’S to tell them how to parent their children.
Oh I so agree about all the candy at the cash registers at the grocery store! I have never bought it for them but its annoying to have to deal with it every time!
GREAT post! Most schools now DON’T allow soda machines, which is good. I agree; that’s a place where some government regulation is a good thing; I wouldn’t want my 9-year-old (or 12-year-old, once my kids reach those ages) having the option to buy a soda at school any time they have 75 cents with them, when I’m not around. But McDonald’s? My 2- and 4-year-olds love going there but they aren’t yet walking there by themselves. It’s my responsibility to choose when they go, and what they eat. (Sometimes they get fries. Sometimes Apple Dippers. Most often, they get a partial serving of fries after eating some of their Apple Dippers….)
I completely agree. If parents can’t stand up to their children they need not be parents. You are supposed to be a role model for your child, not let your child run over you. Contrary to much of what we’re told we are the boss…and it is OK to say no. Your child isn’t going to melt into a puddle because you tell them you won’t bend to their every whim.
Wonderful post!
Thanks for giving voice to the common sense that is sorely lacking in the U.S., right now! Parenting is the responsibility of parents, NOT the government.
Amen, sister! More parents need to step up and take responsibility for their kids.
I completely agree. In our house we talk about what is healthy and what is a treat the same way you do. And when she ASKS for McDonalds I say no. We save fast food for times when I am super pressed for time and I know she’s starving. It’s a convenience food option for us. And it’s a treat and I make sure she understands that.
Parents need to take responsibility.
I completely agree with this. It’s not McDonalds job to parent our kids. And besides, McD’s isn’t the only fast food chain that serves toys with their kids meals. I’m pretty sure MOST of them do. I don’t have a problem telling my kids no. (And occasionally YES.) It’s about using common sense.
I hate how parents let their kids be the boss nowadays. I know so many moms who do this. Back when I was a kid my parents would have told me no, then if I pushed this issue they would have popped me. LOL
Lee
Now I’m an overweight adult (mine issues stem from incest and abuse) who could legitimately blame it on my parents. I have overweight parents who are both diabetic because of it. I just wasn’t willing for my children to go through health problems. About 4 months ago I completely changed the way that our family eats. My husband has lost 14 lbs. We still eat really healthy and allow for splurges now and then. My husband is the only one in his family who isn’t diabetic. His father died in his 50′s because of it. In other words I agree with you. The buck stops here.
Amen!
I couldn’t agree more! Seriously–they can’t possibly tell me that their child is the one hitting up the McDonald’s?! I swear, when will people start taking accountability for their actions and stop blaming others?
I agree! I mean really, who is the parent here? If you instill healthy eating habits in your child than the stupid McDonald’s toy won’t even be an issue. Oh no, your child is whining for a Happy meal – tell him no! He’ll get over it. And ya know what, you can buy the toy without buying the food. So if they happen to have Star Wars toys this week and your child is obsessed with Star Wars (like mine) then you can just drive up and buy the damn toy.
Amen!
My two will ask all the time for the meals and I’m sure the kid behind the counters when I’m there roll their eyes that I don’t bring them to Toys R Us for food, so I’m not bringing them to Mickey D’s for toys that will be littered all over the floor for me to step on.
(and I walked into the local TRU last week for a Battleship game-they had food! Now I can’t bring the kids there again.)