The Maccas dilemma - what are your thoughts?

[~Kaz~]

Disclaimer - OK, this is not a Maccas bashing thread or a go at parents who feed their kids Maccas.

DS has been invited to a 3rd birthday party at Maccas. It's in the afternoon/early evening. I do not know the child/parent the invite has come from (it was in the pocket at CC).

The background is that DP and I don't eat Maccas. I used to work there when I was a teenager and in my early 20's. I worked in the kitchen and on the front counter and I know how it's prepared, how oily it is etc. At the first store I worked you could get a free meal on your break each shift and after a couple of years I went completely off the food (this was back before the healthy options range and all the other choices they have now - there were about 7-8 meal options back then, no McCafe's etc). So, DS knows Maccas sell coffee because I've been through drivethru to buy coffee with him in the car. On our last big car trip we stopped at a Maccas to use the toilet and DS came inside, saw there was food/cafe and asked for a milkshake lol. I got him some apple slices.

I don't have anything really against Maccas as an occasional food but it just doesn't sit right for me, that DS has it this young (he is not quite 2.5yrs old). And this is going to sound very much like a "when I was a kid I had to walk 100 miles through the snow with no shoes to get to school" comment but I was seriously about 9 years old before I went to a Maccas party. I know things are very different now but is it a common thing to go there for a 3 year old party?

My concerns/thoughts are:
* if he goes, this will open his eyes to the food options and he will ask everytime we see the golden arches
* if he doesn't go, will this mean that he is not invited to other kids parties because it will get around that he doesn't/isn't allowed to eat the food?
* if he doesn't go, will that mean I get labelled a weird uptight mum for not wanting him to eat there?
* if he doesn't go, am I making it a forbidden thing (even though he wouldn't know at this stage) and therefore even more attractive? (thinking down the track here).
* Do I have the right to censor his experiences in this way? i.e. it's not harmful, IMO, as a once off meal and maybe I should be letting him make his own choice about it

Does anyone know what the typical food/meal is for a toddler party?

I am interested in your thoughts/experiences with this situation. Please be honest!! I won't be offended as I can see both sides of the situation and I understand the attractiveness of not having to have heaps of toddlers invade your house, no washing up etc I guess I just would be more comfortable if this experience were happening when he was 5 instead of 2 so I feel really torn. TIA.

[skybie]

if he doesnt go i dont think you'll be labelled, just RSVP saying thanks but u already have plans.
FWIW i think 3 is a bit young for a macca's party

[Jennifer13]

I wouldn't choose a Macca's party for my child, but on the other hand, I probably wouldn't have stopped her going along at that age.

For our background, we don't eat at Macca's, except on long car trips when we need to stop for lunch or dinner. DD has been once with her Nana too, when we were on holidays. So she thinks that "NocDonalds" (she can't even pronounce it correctly yet - and she's five!) is for holidays only. She hasn't had a birthday party invite there yet (not that the food supplied at indoor play centre parties and the like is any healthier BTW). She sees Maccas obviously whenever we eat at a shopping centre, but she always asks for sushi.

I take the attitude that I watch what she eats for everything else, but at parties she is free to eat whatever and however much she wants. She has thrown up once after a party, but that was at someone's house and probably had as much to do with the sun exposure and the fact she'd been out late the night before at another party. The lesson to her was clear and she refuses to overeat. She is the only kid I know whose lolly bag stays in the cupboard for weeks before DP and I finally get through it!

So far not worrying about parties but focusing on her diet everywhere else is working for us. DD is a fantastic healthy eater but very good at self-moderation. And food has never been a battle ground. She never feels like she's missing out, but we are satisfied she's eating well.

HTH!

[Astrid]

To be honest, Macca's food is no worse than some of the rubbish I have seen dished up at some kids parties, especially the ones at indoor playcentres. So from that aspect, I have no issue Maccas, at least you have some idea what is in the food, rather than wondering what is in that el cheopo sausage roll.

I have no problem letting my girls go, the only issue I have is with supervision as they get older. Normally at DD1's age, I would just drop off, but at Macca's or similar I stay as it is a public area. As a parent it is a pain in the bum to have to hang around these places.

Ok will try to answer these directly now.
* if he goes, this will open his eyes to the food options and he will ask everytime we see the golden arches
Quite possibly, kids just seem to pick up on brands so quickly. DD1 was barely 2 and everytime we drove past a Maccas we would hear "chippie" come from the back seat. So just be prepared.

* if he doesn't go, will this mean that he is not invited to other kids parties because it will get around that he doesn't/isn't allowed to eat the food?
Who know really, depends on how you handle it. If are are over the top, then it may scare some parents. I would be more inclined to make up a reasonable excuse about not being able to go, than say "we don't eat that food"

* if he doesn't go, will that mean I get labelled a weird uptight mum for not wanting him to eat there?
As above, depends on how you deal with it

* if he doesn't go, am I making it a forbidden thing (even though he wouldn't know at this stage) and therefore even more attractive? (thinking down the track here).
At this age, I would not say why he is not going (if that is what you decide). When he is older and can comprehend more, then discuss it with him.

* Do I have the right to censor his experiences in this way? i.e. it's not harmful, IMO, as a once off meal and maybe I should be letting him make his own choice about it
I would be inclined to let him make a choice, you never know he may hate the stuff.

Best of luck! To be honest since dealing with more parties these days, I would take the Maccas party over some that DD1 has been to lately.

[*Ang*]

To be honest since dealing with more parties these days, I would take the Maccas party over some that DD1 has been to lately.

Exactly that! A lot of play centres food is absolutely rubbish compared to Maccas. We went to a party at our local roller-rink a couple of weeks ago and I was astounded at the rubbish that was served up - even my DD who enjoys the odd bit of junk food barely touched it!

I do find a Maccas party at 3 a bit young - but how old is the other child turning? And who knows the family cirumstances behind their reasonings for having it.

Personally I would send my kid along and I wouldn't over think it. It will be what it is and the outcome (ie the new found knowledge of Macca's) will be as bad or as good as you let it to be...Does that make sense? In otherwords if you make a fuss about not eating Macca's etc then their is a good chance your child will latch onto that thought and want it even more, whereas if you go along, enjoy the party and not talk about it anymore your child will forget about it by the next day.

[AndiE]

To be honest, Macca's food is no worse than some of the rubbish I have seen dished up at some kids parties, especially the ones at indoor playcentres. So from that aspect, I have no issue Maccas, at least you have some idea what is in the food, rather than wondering what is in that el cheopo sausage roll.
.

My first thought too.

We have Maccas/KFC rarely - once every 4-5 months if that. And then it's only for the nuggets and some fries. My kids (3 and 20 months) just aren't too interested in it. I purposely don't buy the kiddie meals with a toy when we do go there.

Probably going to the party won't make your DS want maccas all the time ... and I guess if you go, and he does become enamoured of ol' Ronald McDonald, then it will just be up to you to not go there in future- know what I mean? By the same token, you shouldn't feel obliged to go when you don't know the parents etc. Just say you have other plans.

[Nai]

I wouldn't go and I would just make the excuse that unfortunately you can't come as you already have something else on. We also don't eat Maccas at all but my mum took the girls there last school holidays when she had them (I wasn't impressed) but apparently the girls didn't like the food and didn't eat anything except the fries so I don't think she will take them there again - FWIW she never let me go to Maccas until I was 9!

[Beatrix]

LOL ahh and I read this thread when only yesterday did I drop invites off to 10 of my DD2 friends (she is turning 5) Hungry Jacks party...

Never realised so many parents would have a issue with celebrating a child's birthday... I have seen tables and tables of lollies, chips and junk at a home party, play house party...

I watch what my kids eat around home and dont see the problem in letting them have a fun and some "bad" food every now and then. At least at hungry jacks they get chips, burger/nuggets, drink... that's it, at a home party they can sit at the table at eat limitless amounts of food if they arn't watched...

Each to their own...

[Cassius2]

we dont eat Maccas either and i guess i wouldnt make a big deal about it (especially as it is just a random kid from CC IYKWIM) and just say sorry can't make it. you are not going to damage your DS or anything, promise

[BeautifulMadness]

i have pre booked my 4 and half yrs 5th birthday party at maccas....i myself cant stand the stuff.....but i think its ok.

he has a 5th bday party at hungry jacks on sunday. When he does have maccas/hj he will always go for the juice never the soft drink so at least im doing something right lol

my 2 and half yr old eats maccas when we have it....which is not often....

its ur decsion....ur his parent.

[shellbell3]

My DD had her 3rd party at maccas (shock horror!) so obviously I don't see a problem.
To me party time is time to eat crap etc because regardless of where you have a party you are pretty much going to be eating crap.

secondly the happy meals do offer options, you can get chicken wrap instaed burger or nuggets and apple slices over chips, water for drink.

Yes my kids do see the golden arches now and ask for chippies but they know its only for every now and then not a regualr thing. To us its about moderation.

[~Kaz~]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. It's raised a few more issues I hadn't even considered (like the toys) which is good.

Jennifer - food is not a battle in this house either, and I have taken a similar approach at previous home parties in terms of him eating what he wants. We do have unhealthy food at times at home but generally not take away type foods. I think I'm projecting my attitude about Maccas cause I really don't like it much (taste, texture etc).
Astrid - thanks for the reminder that the food is probably no worse than at a standard party.
Ang - the birthday child is turning three, DS is not quite two and a half.
MD - thanks for your comments about branding and censorship. We are pretty careful about what DS is exposed to on TV and we have that luxury because he's an only child and we're not big TV watchers anyway. I know that branding is very powerful and he will be exposed to it as he grows up, I guess I'd like him to be able to hold a more in-depth conversation about it (good and bad points) as he comes into contact with brands than is possible right now but maybe that's a small point since we'll be able to talk more down the track.
mrscricket - the opportunity to meet other CC parents is quite appealing and one of the reasons to attend. This is a reasonably small town and it's likely that DS will cross paths with this group of kids his whole childhood so getting to know the kids and parents a bit better would be good. The flip side to that I guess is that there will be other opportunities down the track too.
Epacris - thanks so much for posting your thread link, I didn't see that and it was an interesting discussion. I particularly identified with the posts of Polly and Gigi in that thread because that's kind of how I feel - not overly impressed with the corporation/food/culture but don't want DS to miss out socially or be too imposing of my own attitudes on him in this area (food) so I'm sitting on the fence in a state of indecision
Beatrix - Your DD is turning 5. If DS were 5 (or nearly 5) I wouldn't even think twice, he'd be going.
Shell - I hope you don't interpret my posts as being snobbish or judgemental, my issues with the food come from eating too much of it as a teenager lol.

Just to throw another element into my decision (DP doesn't have strong feelings either way) I realised today that MiL will be visiting over three days that week and the party is on the middle afternoon of her visit. She's in town for something else (her own agenda) during the day but this would take her evening time with DS that day away (the party is on a work day, after CC and I think the parent has invited some of the kids that attend on that day). I'm not sure if MiL would mind or not that he went so might get DP to check with her (although she's likely to just defer to whatever we want to do and say she doesn't mind).

I'm leaning towards taking him because he's pretty verbal and I think if there's talk in the lead up or on the day at CC and anything is said to him about him not going he will know he's missing out and to me that is more important than any objections I might have. I am trying to learn to let him make his own choices, even if I don't like them. If there's no safety issue etc then I try to leave it up to him. It's not always easy though but I keep reminding myself that kids learn to make good choices by practicing making choices. Besides, if he gets hyper on the sugar/fun/excitement and doesn't go to bed on time, I don't work the following day so we can sleep in or have a quiet day, no dramas.

Ah I'm still a bit torn but now it has more to do with the timing - 5:30pm after a whole day in care/at work already and in the middle of MiL visit. I guess there is a valid reason to say no and delay the introduction to Maccas until he's a bit older and will better understand the concept of 'occasional' foods.

[shaza12345]

LOL ahh and I read this thread when only yesterday did I drop invites off to 10 of my DD2 friends (she is turning 5) Hungry Jacks party...

Never realised so many parents would have a issue with celebrating a child's birthday... I have seen tables and tables of lollies, chips and junk at a home party, play house party...

I watch what my kids eat around home and dont see the problem in letting them have a fun and some "bad" food every now and then. At least at hungry jacks they get chips, burger/nuggets, drink... that's it, at a home party they can sit at the table at eat limitless amounts of food if they arn't watched...

Each to their own...

My Thoughts exactly its one time i dont think it would hurt...and most the time my kids arnt interested in the food anyway they just want to play on the equipment and play with other kids...

[Pandora]

You are the only one who can decide.
The first Maccas party DS1 was invited to was for a 5th birthday.

I woudlnt be worried about them asking for it every time they see a fast food place. Even if they do just say no and keep driving/walking etc.

Serioulsy, DS1 knew what McDonalds was well before we ever went there. Advertising and merchandising are everywhere. whether one likes it or not, unless one lives in a cave, there is a chance one's child may be exposed to it, and then ask for it every time they see the fast food outlet anyway. Or they might just say look theres maccas ocasionally like my kids do. The first time we took them there, DS1 took 1 bite and said 'yuk dad, can I go home and have a sandwich?'

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I think DS was about that age when my sister took him to McD's with her friends and their children - without my prior knowledge or consent! Her friends were doing it as a nice treat, it is a nice treat, their children are same age as my DS... and while I was horrified, I didn't have a go. She was giving DS a nice treat, one that wouldn't harm him (like cow milk does at least!) and as a one-off it isn't a problem. He got to play longer with his friends, and when we visit my mother there are few friends for him, so it's nice he gets included in some things.

DS is so used to fresh veggies and home-made chips and generally nice food that he wasn't fussed. He doesn't ask for fast food (we've done it a couple of times since then, mostly on long journies where there's no-where else to eat) and isn't overly fussed about it. He doesn't even think the packaged fruit is that nice, he's too used to the real deal. I think the meal deals are fries, burger/chicken nuggets, ice cream/fruit and juice/water/carbonated drink.

So I would let your DS go - but take some fresh fruit in your bag just in case!

[Astrid]

It is funny how some of my opinion has changed since the other thread. In that I said I would likely decline the next HJ invite, but DD1 is going to one tomorrow Just hoping this one is better than the last, at least this time I am leaving DD2 at home with DH.

[BlackRose]

My 14 month old was invited to a maccas birthday party for my besties 4 year old. I brought some water and half a banana for him to eat. He loved playing on the equipment and being around the other kids he wasn't all that interested in the food. I did get him a couple of chicken nuggets and some fries but I ended up eating most of them cos he was just too busy having fun. He drank his water (No way DS would get softdrink) and ate his banana in the car on the way home! He had a wonderful time being around other kids and playing on the equipment.

Good luck mama!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please forgive my spelling mistakes!!

[TeniBear]

From the perspective of someone who also worked at Maccas (in recent years) and is married to a manager - nope, no problem with you saying no. I reckon 3 is a bit young for a Maccas party, to be honest - even just the recommended games, never mind the food!


Sent from my iPhone so forgive the speelung misstacks