McDonalds Birthday parties – Ergh... never again. WDYT, WWYD?

[Epacris]

Thank you so much for all your kind and considered replies.

I don't think it is fair to punish the child who is having the party by not allowing the invited guests to go. More often than not, the kids don't get a say. If they want a party, the parents say it is here, or none at all.

I think this addresses what (I now know) I was getting at. I feel really bad for the kid having the birthday. What to do?

I wouldn't be offended, but I wouldn't mind knowing why, either... if you just said no, or that you don't 'do' them it might leave me wondering what the problem is (asusming that if theoretical 'I' am holding the party, I don't have a problem with it)
I wouldn't think you have to go into great detail, just a basic ... '_' .... erm, I don't know what.. just so they know it's not personal?

I guess I also wanted to “put it out there” that there are parents that have really strongly held views about this. Sure it’s not like it’s a religion or anything but this is fundamental to how we as a family live our lives. So, I should explain a bit more?

I guess I’ll only be able to veto for a few more years anyway. Soon DS will be old enough to know what’s going on and then I’ll let him decide for himself if he wants to go.

I can't say whether I would be offended or not if a parent declined an invite should I ever throw a McD's or HJ's party. To be honest, I probably *would* be offended for a minute, and assume that the parent in question is just one of those snotty so-and-so's who thinks they're better than all the other parents for being 'above' junk food, junk toys and 'lazy' parenting

Bwahahahaha.... you’ve summed me up to a tee! (no seriously I’m not quite that self-righteous, especially when it comes to using the TV as a babysitter ).

And just on the, “well we went to them and it never did us any harm”. Hmmm..... I dunno about that one either. It might not have done you personally as an individual any harm but just look at the obesity epidemic in this country, and not to mention complete lack of awareness about what is in food, where it comes from, how it’s produced and all the vested interests there are in getting it to our mouths. I think this sort of thing is all part of the immeasurable damage being done to us as a society... and I rage against it.

Anyway, thanks so much again for letting me chew ( ) this over with you all. I very much appreciate it.

[Trillian]

It sure is a tough one isn't it? And you're right, it does make it hard for the birthday child because they don't understand.

[*Twinkle*]

Each to their own I say. I wouldn't be offended if someone turned down an invite because of their own food values.

[Glamourcide]

Bwahahahaha.... you’ve summed me up to a tee! (no seriously I’m not quite that self-righteous, especially when it comes to using the TV as a babysitter ).

And just on the, “well we went to them and it never did us any harm”. Hmmm..... I dunno about that one either. It might not have done you personally as an individual any harm but just look at the obesity epidemic in this country, and not to mention complete lack of awareness about what is in food, where it comes from, how it’s produced and all the vested interests there are in getting it to our mouths. I think this sort of thing is all part of the immeasurable damage being done to us as a society... and I rage against it.

Lol definitely no offense intended!! I know we all have very different ideas on all these topics, I certainly don't judge someone who *is* passionate about these things, but I might *feel* judged by them if this situation were to arise, itms? Either way, I'd get over it lol
And I do agree with you on the 'never did me harm' argument, and I feel you are right to an extent regarding the wider implications of the fast food industry... but at the end of the day, I believe so strongly in personal accountability (for example, I know exactly what's in a Quarter Pounder and where it comes from... and I still choose to eat it on the odd occasion!) and think that moderation is key... but that's just my personal stance after doing my own research, whereas you have done the same research and come to a different conclusion, and we each conduct ourselves accordingly
(FWIW, my kids eat chicken McNuggets every so often but I'm still struggling to wrap my head around my friend informing me that Crunchy Nut Cornflakes is a healthy breakfast option for her toddlers...)

[NaeNae]

We are not at that stage yet so I cannot comment on my personal experience BUT while I appreciate other peoples food values if someone said to me "Sorry we don't do Maccas parties" I would be pretty miffed. Partly because I would feel like there was an element of snobbery and partly I would feel bad for my child and for the OP child as they would miss out on seeing their friend.

I would rather someone just RSVP's "NO" with no explanation but then thats me.

I feel awful you have had such a bad experience your poor little poppet I would have been ropable if that was my kid and I would be reporting the staff member and the way your child reacted to her to the store manager.

[RainbowBrite]

It is a hard situation. We don't 'do' McDonalds parties either.
I have never had one for my children and I never will.
They have been to a couple though...only because they were very good friends and we knew they would be put out if we didn't.
They are very impersonal...the kids don't seem to have the same fun as they do at at home parties. (but that is just my experience)
I wouldn't be offended if someone didn't come because of their 'food values'
I don't go there very often as I don't eat meat...but my DD works there so sometimes when I pick her up the kids will get a treat.

[2CheekyMonkeys]

hmmm... i think i would be a little offended! sorry! only because if i were to have a maccas party for my child it would be because i thought my child would really enjoy it and i would then think.. well whats wrong with it? IYKWIM??